David B. Roberts
Non-Resident Fellow, AGSI; Associate Professor, King’s College London
David B. Roberts is a non-resident fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute and an associate professor in the School of Security Studies at King’s College London, where he leads the twin-track Arabic and English Master of Research program. Additionally, Roberts is an adjunct faculty member at Sciences Po’s Paris School of International Affairs and the founder and commissioning editor of Cambridge University Press’ book series Elements in Middle East Politics. Previously, he was the director of the Qatar office of the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies (RUSI Qatar). His primary research interest focuses on the security and international relations of the Gulf Arab monarchies. Roberts is the author of Security Politics in the Gulf Monarchies: Continuity Amid Change and Qatar: Securing the Global Ambitions of a City-State. He obtained his PhD from Durham University.
Analysis
Iran War: Gulf Unity, Economic Shocks, and Regime Scenarios
After a massive U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran, AGSI explores scenarios for the future of Iran and implications for broader Gulf security.
16 min read
A Tentative Trust: What the Barzan-EDGE Deal Reveals About Gulf Reconciliation
As Gulf states pursue economic diversification and knowledge economies less dependent on resource extraction, the logic of competition may be becoming less compelling and the benefits of coordination more apparent.
Israel Strikes Hamas in Qatar
AGSI outlines the wide implications of Israel’s attack targeting Hamas in Doha for the Gulf and U.S. policy in the region.
11 min read
The End of Hamas in Doha?
Where Hamas operates from matters less than the broader absence of any coherent vision – from Israel, the Palestinians, or the international community – for future Arab leadership in Gaza.
Becoming “Neutral”: Addressing the Increasing Stakes of Qatar’s Hamas Mediation
To adapt to the post-October 7 environment, Qatar may need to abandon some long-standing policies and reemerge as a truly neutral broker and mediator.
Qatar’s Shura Council Elections: Incrementally Strengthening Local Politics
The new Shura Council is neither a democratic wand changing Qatar’s political culture nor a pointless exercise. Instead, it is a small evolutionary step in the state’s governance in a more democratic direction.
Events
Jun 4, 2026
Will a U.S.-Iran Deal Bring a New Order for the Gulf?
On June 4, AGSI hosted a discussion on the implications of a potential U.S.-Iranian agreement for Gulf security.
Speakers
May 28, 2024
Book Talk: Security Politics in the Gulf Monarchies: Continuity Amid Change
On May 28, AGSIW hosted a discussion on security politics in the Gulf.
Speakers
