- 06 Sep 2023
[Book Talk] New Military Strategies in the Gulf (Hybrid Event)
(This event is organised by MEI Political Economy research cluster.)
In the last decade, rulers in Gulf regimes have aspired to greater strategic autonomy and putting some distance between them and the West. Coined the “Gulf moment” by local commentators, this regional trend reflects a redistribution of power in the Arab world. This new book from Jean-Loup Samaan, Senior Research Fellow at the Middle East Institute, is the first to examine the military dimensions of these shifts. Gulf military strategy has prioritised the improvement of local armed forces and the diversification of defence partnerships towards countries such as Russia, Turkey or China. However, Dr Samaan’s book shows how this has led to the militarisation of Gulf societies, the further erosion of multilateral initiatives – including the Gulf Cooperation Council – and the region’s perilous involvement in the war in Yemen. It also highlights an enduring reliance on the West.
This book talk will examine the evolving strategic ambitions of the Gulf countries. Close attention will be paid to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, countries that have played prominent roles in the region’s security affairs over the last decade. In light of increased tensions over China’s presence in the region, the discussion will also explore the ways Gulf states may wind up in the middle of the competition between Washington and Beijing.
This event was conducted both in person and online via Zoom, on 6 September 2023, 4.30pm to 5.45pm. All are welcome to participate. This event is free, however, registration is compulsory. Successful registrants will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom details closer to the date of the event.
Book discount:
Use the following discount codes to save 20% on this book when purchasing on Bloomsbury.com
UK and rest of world customers: GLR CA3UK
US customers: GLR CA3US
Canada customers: GLR CA3CA
Australia and New Zealand customers: GLR CA3AU
Click here for the book flyer.
Watch the full talk here:
Listen to the full event here:
About the Speakers
Senior Research Fellow
Middle East Institute, NUS
[Moderator] Ms Michelle Teo
Executive Director
Middle East Institute, NUS
Dr Jean-Loup Samaan is a Senior Research Fellow specialising in Middle East strategic affairs, with a particular focus on the defense & security policies of Gulf states and Israel. Prior to that, Samaan was a policy analyst at the Directorate for Strategic Affairs of the French Ministry of Defense (2008-2011), research advisor at the NATO Defense College (2011-2016), and associate professor in strategic studies at the UAE National Defense College (2016-2021).
[Moderator] Ms Michelle Teo has more than 20 years’ experience in both the government and private sectors. Her career has spanned international relations, corporate and digital communications, and the globe. Ms Teo’s career with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken her to Europe, Australia, North America, the Middle East, North and Southeast Asia. Ms Teo served as Singapore’s Deputy High Commissioner in Canberra.She then joined IBM, first as Communications Leader with IBM Singapore and later with IBM ASEAN. Prior to joining the NUS Middle East Institute, she was working with local SMEs focused on digital content re-design for Singapore government agencies.
Event Details
29 Heng Mui Keng Terrace Blk B Level 6 Singapore 119620
2. Via Zoom
