Einzeltitel

Great Power Competition in the Gulf

Issue Brief

As global power dynamics shift away from unipolarity toward a more decentered international order, the Gulf is emerging as an increasingly important arena of strategic competition. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states are navigating this environment through interest-based partnerships, maintaining ties with global powers while prioritising regional stability and economic development. This issue brief examines how Gulf leaders are responding to evolving great-power dynamics and why stability and de-escalation remain central to their regional agenda. The publication is a result of a collaboration between KAS’s Regional Programme Gulf States and the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative.

Gulf-Asia Cooperation: Prospects, Challenges, and Implications for Europe

This publication explores the deepening ties between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and key Asian powers—China, India, Japan, and South Korea—and their implications for Europe. While energy remains central, cooperation is expanding into technology, infrastructure, and diplomacy. As Asia becomes the Gulf’s primary partner, Europe risks being sidelined unless it engages more strategically. This publication calls for greater EU-GCC-Asia trilateral cooperation to address shared challenges and seize emerging opportunities.

Gulf-Asia Cooperation

Prospects, Challenges, and Implications for Europe

This publication explores the deepening ties between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and key Asian powers—China, India, Japan, and South Korea—and their implications for Europe. While energy remains central, cooperation is expanding into technology, infrastructure, and diplomacy. As Asia becomes the Gulf’s primary partner, Europe risks being sidelined unless it engages more strategically. This publication calls for greater EU-GCC-Asia trilateral cooperation to address shared challenges and seize emerging opportunities.

Saudi Arabia’s Net-Zero World Narrative

Balancing Hydrocarbon Dependency and Sustainable Development in the Gulf Region

Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region are experiencing a faster warming trend than the global average, placing them at the forefront of climate change. As a leading oil producer, Saudi Arabia stands at a pivotal crossroads, grappling with the challenge of transitioning to a sustainable future while safeguarding its economic stability. This study examines the Kingdom’s ambitious net-zero goals, the challenges of implementing the Circular Carbon Economy, and the gap between ambition and action.

Approaching or keeping distance?

An article in the Syria dossier of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in zenith magazine

Normalization with the Assad regime is aligned with the Gulf states' approach, managing conflicts in the region. However, they disagree on their Syria policy.

Gulf Humanitarianism in Flux

Arab Gulf Development Actors and their Development Policy Engagement – Backgrounds, Interests, Strategies and Potential for Cooperation

The Gulf Monarchies, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, have emerged as significant players in humanitarian assistance and development cooperation, driven by their strategic interests. They employ grants, loans, and budget support to wield influence across regions like the Middle East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and South Asia, often extending support to governments loyal to them. Their involvement in development cooperation dates back to the 1960s and 1970s, resulting in well-established networks and expertise.

Muhammads Reise ins Zauberland

In den Staaten am Golf werden Animationsfilme immer beliebter. Der Hype um Anime und Co. Hat die saudische Königsfamilie auf eine Idee gebracht.

Jordanien gehört zu uns

Einst wollten die Haschemiten ein arabisches Großreich errichten. Jordanien ist mit den Golfstaaten eng verbunden und lässt sich in deren innere Konflikte immer wieder verwickeln.

Inseln unterm Winde

Die Straße von Hormus kennt man als Krisenherd und strategisches Nadelöhr. Das namensgebende Eiland aber ist eine einzigartige Naturlandschaft mit blutroter Gischt und Geistern in den Klippen.

In Bahrain wartet ewiges Leben

Die reichhaltige Geschichte der Golfregion zeigt sich nicht auf den ersten Blick. Dabei haben hier Mythen ihren Ursprung, die von Anbeginn bis heute überdauert haben und in die Weltreligionen Einzug hielten.