Trump’s AI thaw: How Europe and the Gulf can protect against American and Chinese tech pressure
Recent changes in US policy have brought the US and Gulf states together again on AI—creating new openings for European decision-makers
The Gulf
Out of the rubble: The new Gulf response to Israeli aggression
The Israeli attacks on Doha, and America’s support of them, has caused Gulf leaders to majorly rethink their security. This could lead to a new Gulf-led security format
The falcons and the secretary bird: Arab Gulf states in Sudan’s war
The Arab Gulf states’ pursuits in Sudan keep fuelling violence. But their wealth and influence mean any lasting peace will necessarily hinge on their cooperation
In the crossfire: How the Gulf can support de-escalation between Iran and Israel
Once fierce advocates of military action against Tehran, Gulf countries now call for restraint and diplomacy. No longer viewing Trump as a partner; they now fear the US may be more liability than protection
Anatomy of a chokepoint: Mapping power and conflict in the Red Sea
This ECFR project maps the Red Sea region as a nexus of conflict, regional rivalries and global power plays. To address the risks of this instability, Europeans need to develop a more comprehensive approach
Diversification nations: The Gulf way to engage with Africa
The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are making geoeconomic inroads into sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in energy and climate. This could affect Europe’s African interests
All change: How Europeans and Gulf Arab states can promote Syria’s political transition
European and Gulf Arab states share common interests in Syria – they should work closely together to ensure a stable transition
Summit of ambition: How European and Gulf states can build a newly strategic relationship
From trade, to Ukraine, to Middle East conflicts, the EU and the GCC should finally grip the possibility of enhancing their relations at this month’s major summit
23
May
Middle East and North Africa
Il circolo dell’ECFR – Corridoio IMEC: prospettive per Italia ed UE
Il tema di questa edizione de Il Circolo dell’ECFR sarà focalizzato sulle prospettive del corridoio IMEC come ponte economico tra Oriente ed Occidente
The infinite connection: How to make the India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor happen
The India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor is alive, if not yet kicking. Europeans should use the hiatus in the corridor’s development to agree on the next steps, with a focus on reconciling the various goals of all its participants
Publications
The falcons and the secretary bird: Arab Gulf states in Sudan’s war
The Arab Gulf states’ pursuits in Sudan keep fuelling violence. But their wealth and influence mean any lasting peace will necessarily hinge on their cooperation
Diversification nations: The Gulf way to engage with Africa
The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are making geoeconomic inroads into sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in energy and climate. This could affect Europe’s African interests
The infinite connection: How to make the India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor happen
The India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor is alive, if not yet kicking. Europeans should use the hiatus in the corridor’s development to agree on the next steps, with a focus on reconciling the various goals of all its participants
Fragmentation nation: How Europeans can help end the conflict in Yemen
Europeans should resist the temptation of short-term fixes and adopt a longer-term approach to supporting Yemen
Articles
Trump’s AI thaw: How Europe and the Gulf can protect against American and Chinese tech pressure
Recent changes in US policy have brought the US and Gulf states together again on AI—creating new openings for European decision-makers
Out of the rubble: The new Gulf response to Israeli aggression
The Israeli attacks on Doha, and America’s support of them, has caused Gulf leaders to majorly rethink their security. This could lead to a new Gulf-led security format
In the crossfire: How the Gulf can support de-escalation between Iran and Israel
Once fierce advocates of military action against Tehran, Gulf countries now call for restraint and diplomacy. No longer viewing Trump as a partner; they now fear the US may be more liability than protection
All change: How Europeans and Gulf Arab states can promote Syria’s political transition
European and Gulf Arab states share common interests in Syria – they should work closely together to ensure a stable transition
Summit of ambition: How European and Gulf states can build a newly strategic relationship
From trade, to Ukraine, to Middle East conflicts, the EU and the GCC should finally grip the possibility of enhancing their relations at this month’s major summit
National interests and regional turmoil: The Gulf states’ view on Gaza and the Red Sea
The Gulf states have loudly condemned Israel’s offensive in Gaza. But beneath the rhetoric – and amid unfolding regional escalation – many Gulf capitals are hesitant to put their national interests at risk
Bracing for a broader conflict: How the Israel-Hamas war could escalate
The unfolding war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas is at the precipice of a broader regional conflict. Europeans must urgently join regional efforts to support preventive diplomacy and avoid escalation
Intersections of influence: IMEC and Europe’s role in a multipolar Middle East
A new trade corridor linking India to Europe via the Middle East can offer opportunities for Europeans to strengthen their geo-economic influence with the Gulf. It can also be an opportunity for de-risking, but Europe should not expect to dislodge Chinese influence
Bide and seek: The dangers of US support for a Gulf-Israeli defence pact
Military alignment between Israel and Gulf Arab states risks heightened conflict in the Middle East – without weakening Iran’s geopolitical position or nuclear programme
Somalia’s election impasse: A crisis of state building
The EU can unblock the so-called “electoral impasse” paralysing Somalia by rejecting the involvement of the outgoing president. But it must also set out a new framework to help the country move forward
Specials
Anatomy of a chokepoint: Mapping power and conflict in the Red Sea
This ECFR project maps the Red Sea region as a nexus of conflict, regional rivalries and global power plays. To address the risks of this instability, Europeans need to develop a more comprehensive approach
Podcasts
Shifting sands: The geoeconomic triumphs of the Gulf
Mark Leonard welcomes Cinzia Bianco, Agathe Demarais, and Camille Lons to discuss the geoeconomics of the Gulf
A Gulf apart: How Europe can gain influence with the Gulf Cooperation Council
Listen on Mixcloud The ECFR Rome office organized a virtual gathering, moderated by the Head of ECFR Rome Arturo…
Yemen – Seizing the moment of oppurtunity?
Recording of the Lunch Discussion analysing Yemen’s role in the current Gulf crisis and how recent regional developments will have an impact on the UN-coordinated…
Why did Iran’s foreign minister resign?
Mark Leonard speaks with Ellie Geranmayeh and Dr Kayhan Barzegar about Mohammad Javad Zarif’s resignation and the current political situation in Iran. The podcast was…
The disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi
Mark Leonard speaks with Asli Aydintasbas, Jeremy Shapiro and Julien Barnes-Dacy about what effect the incident might have on relations between Saudi Arabia, the US…
Russia and the Middle East
Podcast de notre conférence du 1 octobre en partenariat avec l’Institut d’études de sécurité de l’Union européenne (EUISS) : « Russia and the Middle East…
Humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen: What can Europe do?
Mark Leonard speaks with Adam Baron, Ellie Geranmayeh and Julien Barnes-Dacey about Yemen caught in the midst of a regional conflict between Iran and Saudi…
US nuclear deal withdrawal: What happens now?
Mark Leonard speaks with Iran expert Ellie Geranmayeh about what might happen after Donald Trump has decided to withdraw US support from the deal. The…
The role of France in the Middle East
Is France alone in the desert? ECFR experts Julien Barnes-Dacey and Manuel Lafont Rapnouil discuss how France can lead Europe in the Middle East
ECFR Clips: Trump’s impact on the Middle East
Ruth Citrin speaks with Ellie Geranmayeh, Julien Barnes-Dacey and Hugh Lovatt, about the state of play in the MENA region and the considerations for Europeans…
Events
23
May
Middle East and North Africa
Il circolo dell’ECFR – Corridoio IMEC: prospettive per Italia ed UE
Il tema di questa edizione de Il Circolo dell’ECFR sarà focalizzato sulle prospettive del corridoio IMEC come ponte economico tra Oriente ed Occidente
European Power
What do middle powers think? The view from Saudi Arabia
Many people outside the West want Europe and the US in their lives for all they have to offer – but that does not translate into political alignment. Instead, they prefer to live in a world where they can trade with China, enjoy security cooperation with the US, and emulate the European way of life
23
Feb
Middle East and North Africa
Gulf of difference: Monarchie del Golfo ed Iran. Il ruolo dell’Europa
Il recente insediamento dell’amministrazione Biden a Washington e il percepito disimpegno degli Stati Uniti nella regione offrono agli europei l’opportunità di contribuire ad allentare le tensioni tra gli Stati del Consiglio di Cooperazione del Golfo (CCG) e l’Iran
9
Jul
Middle East and North Africa
Battle for Hudayda: A defining moment for the future of Yemen?
Discussion on the trajectory and consequences of the ongoing offensive in Hudayda, its potential effects on the humanitarian crisis, the challenges of stabilization, and its place within ongoing UN-led peace effort
8
Sep
Middle East and North Africa
Yémen : quelle voie vers un règlement du conflit ?
L'ECFR Paris a le plaisir de vous convier à une discussion autour de Cheikh Abdulkarim al-Maqdashi et Laurent Bonnefoy, modérée par Adam Baron
2
Dec
Middle East and North Africa
Riyadh’s Perspective on a Region in Turmoil
Speaker HRH Prince Turki bin Faisal al-Saud will be shedding light on to Saudi Arabia’s perspective and responses to the current challenges across the Middle East.
In the media
Maddalena Procopio on how Africa, China, Europe, and the United States are positioning themselves in the global race for minerals
The commentary North-south aligned: Why Italy should join the Three Seas Initiative by Teresa Coratella, for Decode39
Cinzia Bianco on the increasing competition and disparity in opinion between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates