The Gulf

The Gulf, traditionally known for its importance to global energy flows, is now vying for economic and political leadership in the Middle East and North Africa, replacing Egypt and the Levant as the region’s center of gravity. In addition to its ambitious economic diversification efforts, Gulf countries have increasingly taken on the role of mediator in both regional and global conflicts, including between Hamas and Israel, the United States and Iran, and Russia and Ukraine. CSIS experts explore the significance of the Gulf’s evolving role and enhanced agency and what both could mean for the trajectory of the region.

Recent Analysis

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

Preparing for the Next Crisis

This installment of Charting the Middle East highlights the importance of early warning systems, emergency communications, and community-based warning mechanisms amid recurrent surges of conflict in the region.

Newsletter by Josiane Atallah — November 5, 2026

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Recent Events

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Related Programs

Experts

Jon Alterman

Jon B. Alterman

Zbigniew Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy
Daniel Byman

Daniel Byman

Director, Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program
Will Todman

Will Todman

Chief of Staff, Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department; and Senior Fellow, Middle East Program
Masha Kotkin

Masha Kotkin

Fellow, Energy Security and Climate Change Program

All The Gulf Content

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Preparing for the Next Crisis

This installment of Charting the Middle East highlights the importance of early warning systems, emergency communications, and community-based warning mechanisms amid recurrent surges of conflict in the region.

Newsletter by Josiane Atallah — November 5, 2026

Avoiding Another Long War in Yemen

In the wake of the Riyadh airport attacks, Saudi Arabia risks getting sucked into another long, costly war that ultimately only emboldens the Houthis and deepens the regional conflict. Allison Minor outlines a better approach.

Commentary by Allison Minor — October 15, 2026

The Price of Exclusion

This installment of Charting the Middle East spotlights how Western aid cuts have rendered the current international response to Syrian refugees obsolete.

Newsletter by Will Todman — October 7, 2026

Who's Paying for the Iran War? | The High Top

Who is paying the price for the U.S.-Iran war? Jon Alterman and Joseph Majkut examine the global energy crisis, rising costs in Asia, China’s role in stabilizing oil markets, and what the war means for Gulf security and U.S. influence.

Event — August 25, 2026

The Localization Prescription

This installment of Charting the Middle East examines efforts to reduce reliance on imported pharmaceuticals, as the Iran war heightens the risk for certain medicine shortages.

Newsletter by Kira Nygren — August 6, 2026

Will the U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Deal Proceed?

President Trump's last-minute link between the U.S.-Saudi nuclear agreement and Israel normalization injects new uncertainty into an already contentious deal.

Commentary by Michael Ratney — July 23, 2026