Gulf International Forum

The Inaugural Gulf Studies Symposium (GSS) The Inaugural Gulf Studies Symposium (GSS) is an annual event dedicated to enhancing scholarship and fostering insightful analysis of the Gulf region. Organized by the Gulf International Forum, Gulf Research Center, and Georgetown Universitys Center for Contemporary Arab Studies. The seven workshops were hosted on March 4-5, 2024, at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. Each featured 10-15 papers, facilitating in-depth discussion and analysis. The final results of GSS were 68 research papers by 80 researchers. GSS prioritized diversity by bringing together emerging talents and established scholars, creating a rich environment for a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives. The symposium opened with a ceremony, followed by a series of workshops contributing to significant Gulf studies publications. The Inagural GSS will seven workshops focused core themes: - Defense and Security - Foreign Policies of Gulf States - Geopolitics - U.S.-Gulf Relations - Economy, Governance, and Reform - Energy Policies - Society and Culture The seven workshops were hosted on March 4-5, 2024, at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. GSS prioritizes diversity by bringing together emerging talents and established scholars, creating a rich environment for a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives. The symposium opened with a ceremony, followed by a series of workshops contributing to significant Gulf studies publications.

Fifth Annual Conference The Fifth Annual Gulf International Conference, titled Prosperity and Security of the Gulf Region and U.S. Interests in a Changing World Order, took place at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, on November 16, 2023. Featuring six panels and explores critical issues, including U.S.-Gulf relations, great power rivalry, regional soft power, climate change, and economic opportunities for Gulf youth. In a swiftly shifting global landscape, the Gulf region has increased its autonomy, strategically balancing relations between major powers. With growing partnerships with Russia and China, the GCC nations continue to redefine their role in a multipolar world while still maintaining security ties with the U.S. Meanwhile, internal Gulf dynamics are transforming, with regional rivals like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Iran pursuing new cooperative ventures in diplomacy and economic development. The GCCs ambitious economic diversification plans now prioritize youth engagement, womens empowerment, and strategic sectors such as AI, greentech, and defense localization. As Gulf states amplify their influence through soft power, sports, and global mediation efforts, they also continue to lead in climate action, shaping their future on both regional and global stages.

Publications & Analysis In 2023, the Forum released 161 commentariesa 14% increase from the previous yearaddressing both pressing issues and ongoing challenges in the Gulf. These publications spanned the Forums seven core research themes: Defense and Security, Society, Politics and Governance, U.S.-Gulf Policy, Economy and Innovation, Energy Policy, and Geopolitics. Covering a broad array of topics within these themes, the commentaries offered insights from both Forum-affiliated and independent scholars of the Gulf region. This open platform invites external experts to contribute their perspectives on key issues, enriching our collective understanding of the Gulfs complexities.

Leadership Programs The Forum strives to improve understanding of the Gulf region and contribute to the accumulation of knowledge on the Gulf. Therefore, we believe in the importance of connecting with young professionals and students who seek to be involved and informed about this dynamic region, which remains critical to U.S. foreign policy interests across the globe. The Leadership Program is designed to train and encourage students and academic cadres to pursue scholarship related to the Gulf and publish their research. The Gulf International Forums Leadership Program targets young professionals and recent graduates to enhance their knowledge and research skills about the Gulf region. We founded this program with the aim to achieve part of our mission through promoting independent thinking and building awareness of the Gulf.

Podcast Program In 2023 we continued our efforts to broaden our outreach to a larger audience through our Gulf International Forums Majlis podcast. In 2022 we published episodes covering various topics about the regions political, economic, security and social affairs. The number of listeners to our podcast in the U.S., the Gulf region, and Europe over 1,000 listens in 2023. Listeners subscribed to our podcast from all over the world.

Public Panels In 2023, the Forum hosted virtual panels exploring critical issues, including the impact of the Ukraine war, the evolving Saudi-Iran relationship, the challenges in Sudan and the Gulfs role in the conflict, U.S.-Gulf relations, the state of elections and democracy in the Gulf, peace efforts and tensions in Yemen, and maritime security in the region. These events drew over 15,000 viewers across Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn, attracting a diverse audience of academics, diplomats, policymakers, students, investors, and others engaged with Gulf issues and U.S.-Gulf relations.