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: FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP/Getty Images

What the Iran War Is Costing Joint Gulf-U.S. Ambitions for AI

For decades, Gulf states invested trillions into the U.S. economy, tied their security to Washington, and bet that alignment was the price of protection. The Iran war raised a clear question: Was alignment the cause of the threat, rather than the cure for it?

Commentary by Joseph A. Farsakh — July 15, 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

All The Gulf Content

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What the Iran War Is Costing Joint Gulf-U.S. Ambitions for AI

For decades, Gulf states invested trillions into the U.S. economy, tied their security to Washington, and bet that alignment was the price of protection. The Iran war raised a clear question: Was alignment the cause of the threat, rather than the cure for it?

Commentary by Joseph A. Farsakh — July 15, 2026

Beyond Oil: Vision 2030 at Ten

This installment of Charting the Middle East explores the progress Saudi Arabia has made in diversifying its economy 10 years after the launch of Vision 2030.

Newsletter by Michael Ratney — July 15, 2026

Subsidies, Stockpiles, and Shortages

This installment of Charting the Middle East spotlights regional government responses to the Iran war’s widening impacts.

Newsletter by Josiane Atallah — June 18, 2026