Bahrain

A new government and the movement to disarm a weakened Hezbollah are increasing Gulf states’ trust in Lebanon, but Gulf-Lebanese rapprochement is not yet right around the corner.

On January 8, AGSI hosted a virtual roundtable with its leadership and scholars as they look ahead and assess trends likely to shape the Gulf region and U.S. foreign policy during the coming year. 

Morocco’s protests prompted gestures of support from GCC states, representing a fresh reminder of a long history of supporting each other in times of need.

Gulf states need to prioritize enhanced regional defense cooperation with an expanded group of potential partners, consider using the financial leverage of sovereign wealth funds’ action, and ramp up diplomatic pressure to deter such attacks in the future.

Bahrain’s pavilion at the 2025 Venice Biennale of Architecture is emblematic of how Gulf states are leveraging architecture to address – or at least narrate – pressing environmental and social questions.

As the Gulf countries transition to a new energy order, creating “good jobs” in high-value export-oriented services that provide citizens with adequate benefits, economic security, and career ladders will help these economies diversify and achieve increased growth.

On June 26, AGSI opened a photography exhibition showcasing the work of 15 contemporary photographers from across the Gulf.

Successful public-private partnerships could help Gulf Arab states improve infrastructure without further burdening state resources.