AL-KHALEEJ

With global power shifting towards multipolarity, the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar – have become increasingly central to global diplomacy, trade, and security. As their economies seek to play leading roles in emerging technological sectors, and governments gain increasing confidence in their autonomous foreign policy decision-making, Arab Gulf states have adopted different strategies to leverage new realities and develop more diversified economic and security arrangements. Gulf states have also positioned themselves as mediators in regional and international conflicts. This raises questions about the nature of Gulf mediation and how it can deliver sustainable political solutions where traditional approaches have failed. At the same time, the Gulf is at the heart of global economic security, with key trade routes passing through volatile areas. This has led the states to rethink their national security strategies and defense cooperation beyond historical allies. Fiker Institute’s Al-Khaleej Program sets out to analyze how Arab Gulf states will navigate an increasingly fragmented world order, how these dynamics will shape intra-Gulf relations, and what impact they will have on the Gulf’s foreign relations and domestic policies.

Policy Briefs

War, Vulnerability & Omnibalancing: Rethinking Gulf Security

The current war on Iran has exposed structural vulnerabilities in the United States (US)-Gulf security alliance. This is exemplified by the basing paradox: the hosting of US forces increases deterrence while simultaneously elevating exposure to retaliation. Iran’s retaliatory strikes on US regional assets and Gulf infrastructure have drawn Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states into the conflict, demonstrating how forward […]

Dr Khalid Al-JufairiMay 2026

Reports

Fiker Institute & Dirwaza Curatorial Lab Present Syllabus of Proposed Works

The Syllabus of Proposed Works is a non-exhaustive list of novels, plays, academic articles, podcast episodes, films, and visual artworks that speak to ongoing debates of identity and conflict as they relate to Arab Gulf states. It is designed to encourage dialogue and facilitate critical discourse in the context of ongoing developments in the region. […]

May 2026

Reports

Working Group on Gulf Foreign Policy: Meeting III – Key Takeaways

Fiker Institute’s Working Group on Gulf Foreign Policy held its third meeting and discussed prospects for a negotiated settlement of the crisis.

May 2026

Policy Briefs

Maritime Chokepoints & the Changing Logic of Conflict in the Gulf

As the war with Iran is entering its third month, the opportunities for a timely and long-lasting resolution of the conflict remain slim. Even though both the United States (US) and Israel have reduced the scope of their armed attacks in Lebanon and Iran, neither side appears willing to commit to a long-term ceasefire. Moreover, […]

Nayef Al-NabetMay 2026

Reports

US-Gulf Relations: Power, Risk & Regional Order

Fiker Institute hosted the Director General of b’huth (Dubai Public Policy Research Centre) Mohammed Baharoon and Associate Professor of Political Science at NYU Abu Dhabi Adam Ramey to discuss what is at stake for Gulf security, shifting alliances, and the broader balance of power.

April 2026

Reports

The Strait of Hormuz & Global Energy Security

Fiker Institute hosted the President of the Observer Research Foundation Dr Samir Saran to discuss the wide-ranging economic, energy, and diplomatic implications of the Iran War.

April 2026