Introduction Since the turn of the millennium, the politico-economic nexus between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and East Asia has significantly grown. Japan’s relations with the GCC states are no exception. This was exemplified by the second Japan-GCC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting that took place in early September 2025, and the resumption of talks for… Continue reading Reinvigorating Japan-GCC State Ties: The Case for Enhancing Top-Level Diplomacy
learn moreRelations between Algeria and Morocco are passing through a critical phase of instability, fueled by deep-seated distrust, historical grievances, skewed perceptions of escalation, a rapid arms race, and competing regional ambitions. As a result, both are increasingly relying on military deterrence over diplomacy. This situation is further exacerbated by their antagonistic views on numerous issues, particularly the Western Sahara dispute
learn moreThis report examines the rising strategic significance of economic corridors, with a particular focus on the Gulf region’s growing role in shaping their development.
learn moreWhen a group of Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) fighters set fire to their weapons at a ceremony in the Iraqi city of Sulaymaniyah in July, it was more than a historic image. It was one of the most prominent steps so far toward ending an intractable conflict that has claimed more than 40,000 lives, reshaped… Continue reading Turkish-Kurdish Peace Talks Must Navigate Domestic Politics and Regional Shifts
learn moreEarlier this year, U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the Gulf with a familiar list of themes: deals, defense and data. Over four days, he visited Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, securing over $2 trillion in investment pledges and announcing sweeping agreements on artificial intelligence, fossil fuel infrastructure and defense. Yet one issue was… Continue reading Trump’s Climate Silence Risks Undermining Gulf Engagement
learn moreWhen the United Arab Emirates normalized relations with Israel five years ago, it likely expected a degree of discomfort given negative public opinion of Israel in the region amid its ongoing military occupation of Palestine. But the intensification of violent conflict—first in May 2021, and then on a much larger scale after October 7, 2023—has… Continue reading Five Years On, UAE-Israel Normalization Weathers the Gaza Storm
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