Our work on the Gulf countries concentrates on the impact of the Arab Spring on the Gulf states, the emergence of new actors in the region and prospects for political and economic development.

The work is led by Jane Kinninmont, Kristian Coates Ulrichsen  and Omar Sirri.

Future Trends in the Gulf States Project

Our core research project on the Gulf, Future Trends in the Gulf States, aims to research, analyse and anticipate some future scenarios for the political and economic development of the GCC states.

The research explores four main themes:

• Citizenship and political development
  This theme looks at citizens’ shifting attitudes and political aspirations, particularly those of the under-30s who make up the majority of the GCC’s population, exploring the dynamics of reform. 

• Citizenship and the economy
  This theme explores changing economic realities within the GCC, analysing the potential of GCC countries to reform and diversify their economies and the links between citizens’ political and economic expectations.
   
• Islamism and post-Islamism in the Gulf
  In the context of the growing strength of Islamist movements across the Gulf, this theme considers the diverse aspirations of Islamically inspired movements and their respective trajectories amid regional changes. 
   
• External 'threats' and internal community relations
  This theme focuses on the intersections between shifting regional dynamics, transnational movements and community relations within GCC countries. 

These themes will be explored in the context of relevant changes in the wider Middle East region - primarily the Arab awakenings and the ongoing tensions between Iran and some of its neighbours.

The project seeks to deepen discussion on these various themes while analysing the prospects for GCC countries to adapt to ongoing changes in the region and develop their systems accordingly.

In 2012 a workshop was held on Identities and Islamisms in the GCC and the Outlook for Bahrain. Many further events centred on the Gulf Project are expected throughout 2013 and 2014.

We are also running a series of study groups on Bahrain and a research project on Yemen and its regional relations. 

Recent Resources: 

Kuwait: Consensus on the Role of Parliament Remains Elusive
Jane Kinninmont, The Financial Times, April 2013 

To What Extent Is Twitter Changing Gulf Societies?
Jane Kinninmont, February 2013

From Football to Military Might, how Qatar Wields Global Power
Jane Kinninmont, The Guardian, February 2013

UK's Relations with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain
Jane Kinninmont, Evidence to UK Parliament, January 2013 

Qatar's Delicate Balancing Act
Jane Kinninmont, BBC News, January 2013

Bahrain: An Overview
Jane Kinninmont, Norwegian Peacebuilding Resource Centre (NOREF), January 2013

The Outlook for Bahrain
Roundtable Summary, November 2012 

Kuwait: Testing the Limits
Jane Kinninmont, Expert Commnet, November 2012 

The Sir Bani Yas Papers 2012: Change in the Middle East
Meeting Summary, November 2012

Divine Right Won't Save the Arab Kings
Jane Kinninmont, The World Today, October 2012 

The Temperature is Rising: Sectarianism and Political Reform in the Gulf
Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, Muftah, October 2012

Kuwait's Uncertain Path
Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, Foreign Policy, September 2012

Kuwait's Parliament: An Experiment in Semi-democracy
Jane Kinninmont, Briefing Paper, August 2012 

Bahrain's Still Stuck
Jane Kinninmont, Foreign Policy, August 2012 

Toward a Gulf 'Single Entity': A Conversation with Jane Kinninmont
Saudi-US Relations Information Service / SUSRIS, July 2012

Bahrain: Beyond the Impasse
Jane Kinninmont, Programme Report, June 2012 

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