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
Masha Kotkin

Masha Kotkin

Fellow, Energy Security and Climate Change Program

All The Gulf Content

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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

The U.S.-Iran War and Its Economic Fallout | The High Top

Phil Luck joins Jon Alterman to unpack the economic story of the post-Iran-war order: China's real headwinds, why the Global South is hedging harder than ever, and what the policy community still misunderstands about economic statecraft.

Event — July 20, 2026

Is the Iran War Entering a Dangerous New Phase?

Escalating U.S.-Iran strikes are widening the conflict beyond the Strait of Hormuz, threatening Gulf infrastructure, regional stability, and global energy security. Yet behind the fighting, mediators are searching for an off-ramp before the crisis spirals further.

Commentary by Mona Yacoubian — July 20, 2026