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About

The Gulf Studies Symposium (GSS) stands as an annual gathering committed to advancing research and knowledge about the Gulf region. Our overarching mission revolves around the promotion of high-caliber scholarship and insightful analysis. We achieve this by orchestrating a series of workshops, with the ultimate aim of bringing forth publications that contribute to the academic discourse on the Gulf region.

Our approach to achieving comprehensive discourse is characterized by a deliberate pursuit of diversity among our participants and topics. We actively seek the engagement of a broad spectrum of experts, meticulously curating a blend of both emerging talents and esteemed, established scholars. This intentional balance in our selection process ensures a rich and multifaceted exploration of the Gulf region, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives.

Workshops

Geopolitics

Nuclear Proliferation and Counter-Proliferation in the Gulf: Impacts on Domestic, Defense and Security Policies   Objectives and Topics to Cover…

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U.S.-Gulf Policy

U.S.-Gulf Relations in Transition and the Future of Policy Dynamics   Objectives and Topics to Cover   This workshop will…

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Defense and Security

Broadening Gulf Security: New Perspectives and Persistent Challenges   Objectives and Topics to Cover   This workshop endeavors to integrate…

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Foreign Policies of Gulf States

The Quest for Strategic Autonomy in the Gulf: Policies and Capabilities    Objectives and Topics to Cover   This workshop…

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Energy Policies

Navigating the Energy Crossroads: The Gulf’s Evolving Energy Landscape   Objectives and Topics to Cover   This workshop will study…

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Economy, Governance and Reform

Reimagining the Gulf: Economics, Politics, and Reform in Gulf Arab Nations   Objectives and Topics to Cover   Throughout much…

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Society and Culture

The Art of Diplomacy: Cultural diplomacy of Gulf states   Objectives and Topics to Cover   Dive into an immersive…

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Program

Gulf Studies Symposium is organized in partnership between Gulf International Forum, Gulf Research Center, and Georgetown University's Center for Contemporary Arab Studies. GSS has been inspired by the Gulf Research Meeting (GRM), organized by the Gulf Research Center in Cambridge since 2010. Throughout the symposium, we will delve into seven pivotal themes:
• Defense and Security
• Foreign Policies of Gulf States
• Geopolitics
• U.S.-Gulf Relations
• Economy, Governance, and Reform
• Energy Policies
• Society and Culture

We invite contributions that provide fresh insights and unique perspectives on these subjects. For each workshop, we aim to feature 8-10 papers that stimulate meaningful analysis and discussion. Our debut symposium spans 1.5 days, kicking off with an opening ceremony on March 4th and 5th, 2024 at Georgetown University, Washington, DC. Check below key dates and submission details.

August 31, 2023: Workshop Directors application deadline

September 15, 2023: Announcement of paper abstract solicitation

October 30, 2023: Deadline for paper abstract for four workshops: U.S.-Gulf Policy, Foreign Policies of the Gulf States, Society and Culture, and Economy, Governance and Reform.

November 10, 2023: Deadline for paper abstract for three workshops: Geopolitics, Energy Policies, and Defense and Security.

January 15, 2024: First Draft submission deadline

January 30, 2024: Discussant review deadline

March 1, 2024: Final draft submission deadline

March 4-5, 2024: Workshops

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