Özgür Pala is an ABD PhD candidate specializing in Gulf Studies at Qatar University. Previously, Özgür taught at the University of Oregon, Eugene and Qatar University, Doha and currently he is teaching at Koc University, Istanbul. His research interests encompass (state) identity, state-society relations, political and economic reform, and nation-building in Gulf Arab countries, alongside a focus on the security, defense, and foreign policy of Turkey and the Gulf. As a polyglot, Özgür has a deep affinity for languages, sociolinguistics, and etymology studies. His recent contributions to international relations literature have been published in esteemed journals such as the Journal of Balkan and Near Eastern Studies and the International Spectator, in addition to work with think-tanks like Gulf State Analytics. Notably, Özgür co-authored a book titled Turkish-Qatari Relations: From Past to Present in a Turbulent Geopolitical Landscape.