Over recent years, countries from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have made significant strides developing their economies, societies and foreign relations. The six Gulf monarchies are investing in diversifying their economies to move away from their traditional dependence on hydrocarbons, and have undertaken reforms aimed at modernizing their societies and states.
On the foreign affairs front, Gulf states have expanded their influence regionally through cooperation with neighbours, with some normalizing relations with former adversaries such as Israel and Iran. They have also strengthened relationships with external powers to further their economic and security objectives while carefully balancing the geopolitical tensions of the emerging multipolar world.
While there have been successes in some areas, addressing global, regional and internal challenges – both old and new – will have implications for Gulf countries. With the eruption of the Israel-Palestine conflict, Gulf leaders have had to contend with popular criticism over the perceived abandonment of Palestinians.
At the same time, the regional spillover of the war evident in clashes between Israel and the United States and Iran-aligned armed groups are threatening the stability of the Middle East with repercussions for Gulf states’ security and economies.
In this webinar, a panel of experts will examine:
- How can Gulf countries play a constructive role in the Israel-Palestine conflict in the short and longer term?
- Are GCC leaders able to manage pressures from Israel and Iran at the same time?
- How is regional instability impacting domestic dynamics in Gulf states and intra-GCC relations?
- How are regional countries managing relationships with the US, China, Russia and other key partners?
- What will be the impact of the US presidential election on Gulf states’ relations with external powers?
