Kazuto Matsuda

Kazuto Matsuda is an independent researcher specializing in the international relations of the Gulf states. His recent research examines Japan-Gulf relations in the contemporary context through the lens of international relations theory.

Previously, Matsuda served as researcher and advisor at the Embassy of Japan in Qatar and research and analysis specialist in charge of Gulf affairs at the Intelligence and Analysis Service, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. He holds an MSc in International Relations from the University of Edinburgh and an MA in Gulf Studies from Qatar University, where he earned the prestigious Thesis Award and the Graduate Research Award.

Matsuda’s recent publications include Matsuda, K., & Kozhanov, N. (2023). Not just hydrocarbons: Japan’s multifaceted foreign policy approaches towards the GCC states. International Politics, 60(6), 1248–1269; Matsuda, K. (2023). Intra-East Asian competition in the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific: The case of Japan and China. In A. Abdel Ghafar & A. Baabood (Eds.), Asia in the GCC: A new strategic partner? (pp.48–55), Middle East Council on Global Affairs and Waseda University; Matsuda, K. (2022). Japan-Gulf relations: Discussing the major analytical tendencies (Working Paper No. 4). Gulf Studies Center, Qatar University.