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.

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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

All The Gulf Content

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(Un)scripted Diplomacy?

A popular Saudi Ramadan show has an unexpected focus on China.

Blog Post by Ninar Fawal — June 4, 2025

Houthi Aggression and a Roadmap for Peace in Yemen

Maged Al-Madhaji, chair and co-founder of the Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies, joins Dr. Jon Alterman, director of the CSIS Middle East Program, to discuss Houthi attacks on international shipping and the war in Yemen.

Event — September 4, 2024