GSC conference discusses transformations reshaping Gulf, Middle East

The Gulf Studies Center (GSC) at the College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University (QU), in collaboration with Waseda University in Japan, hosted the 9th Annual International Interdisciplinary Conference under the theme "The Gulf in the Emerging Regional (Dis)Order." The conference focused on the significant transformations reshaping the Gulf and the Middle East and their implications for regional and global stability.In recent years, the Gulf and the broader Middle East have witnessed significant geopolitical shifts, marked by evolving alliances, emerging partnerships, and dynamic power plays. These changes are not confined to the Gulf but reflect broader global trends challenging the international rules-based order.The conference aimed to examine and understand the evolving regional order, exploring the roles of states, non-state actors, and external powers, as well as the implications for Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, Iran, Iraq, and Yemen. The conference provided a comprehensive analysis of the significance, motivations, scope, and impact of the emerging regional system in the Gulf.The conference featured expert-led sessions exploring topics such as energy transitions, geopolitical challenges, and security dynamics. Attendees also discussed policy recommendations and strategies for effectively responding to the emerging regional order.Over two days, the conference will explore several critical topics. These include theoretical perspectives on the chaos of the emerging regional order, the Gulf's role within the broader international system, ongoing and emerging conflicts in the Middle East and their impact on the Gulf region, and the interplay between the Indo-Pacific and Middle East in shaping regional order and chaos. Discussions will also delve into the role of governmental and non-governmental actors in Gulf international relations and examine policymaking within the emerging regional order.