Policy briefs
A strategic approach to decarbonization for Gulf hydrocarbons exporters
The global trend to decarbonise economies is set to have a direct impact on the oil-exporting countries of the Gulf. The latter can however mitigate and potentially profit from this trend if they decisively act and invest in carbon capture use and sequestration (CCUS) technology, thus securing and projecting a long-term future for hydrocarbons as a valuable and sustainable economic resource.
The argument for a Middle Eastern gas grid
Covid-19 has accelerated the will of many countries to engage in a “green recovery” with a reduced reliance on fossil fuels and in particular oil and coal. Given the abundant gas reserves in the Gulf and Eastern Mediterranean, and the need for a pragmatic approach to climate change mitigation, Gulf countries could lead the development of a regional gas-grid.
Implications of the US Presidential election for the GCC
The US elections present the GCC countries with potential challenges regardless of the outcome. On balance, the Gulf states would prefer a Donald Trump victory because it is easier to deal with an incumbent leader, who, despite being transactional and capricious, is still committed to the view that Saudi Arabia and the other GCC states are strategic allies and that the US has vital interests in the region that need protecting.
Universal Basic Income: a solution for Gulf labour challenges?
A growing number of countries globally are considering and sometimes experimenting with Universal Basic Income (UBI), as an instrument for wealth distribution and social equity. GCC states could be the ideal testing ground for new distributional policies such as UBI which could reduce the fiscal burden of an over-extended public sector workforce while maintaining the social contract.
Why the GCC’s Economic Diversification Challenges are Unique
GCC expert and LSE Associate Professor Steffen Hertog shares his views on the root-cause behind the challenge of economic diversification in the Gulf. The post has been reproduced with the kind permission of the author and the original can be found on Dr. Hertog’s LSE blog.
Belt and Road Initiative: Risks and Opportunities for the GCC
Dr. Martin Keulertz expands on the trade and security implications of the BRI for GCC countries, including the militarization of maritime routes and great power competition.