Transformations in Gulf Security Dynamics Post-October 7

The conflict that erupted on October 7 between Israel and Gaza-based groups has escalated into an ongoing series of Israeli attacks over the past 11 months. This conflict has extended its influence beyond just the Levantine actors like Hezbollah in Lebanon and other Iran-backed forces; it has also begun to directly impact state actors. By April, the conflict had expanded along the Israel-Hezbollah and Israel-Iran axes, prompting shifts and updates in the security paradigms of all regional countries. The Gulf states, geographically situated between Iran and Israel—some of which have established diplomatic normalization with Israel—have been directly affected by these changes. The normalization agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, brokered and facilitated by China, Iraq, and Oman, has been jeopardized by the developments in the region. Similarly, the U.S.-led efforts to advance normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel have been stalled. Meanwhile, Qatar's moves as a regional mediator, in conjunction with the U.S. and Egypt, and its close ties with Hamas have carried significant implications for the crisis and Gulf security. The UAE's position, as a state recognizing Israel, along with its relations with both the U.S. and Israel and the tensions with the Palestinian Authority (PA), has played a major role in shaping security dynamics in the Gulf.

To highlight these issues, ORSAM is organizing a panel on September 12, 2024, bringing together academics, journalists, bureaucrats, and diplomats. This panel will explore regional security threats, the strategic measures taken in response, investments in defense technologies, and the relationships between Gulf countries and key global actors like the U.S., Russia, and China, all in the context of these political shifts.

Date: September 12, 2024, Thursday
Time: 14:00-16:00
Venue: ORSAM Conference Hall

Moderator: 

• Gökhan Ereli, Gulf Studies Coordinator at ORSAM

Panelists:

• Prof. Muhittin Ataman: Head of the International Relations Department at ASBÜ
• Prof. Ramazan Erdağ: Head of the International Relations Department at ESOGÜ
• Dr. Mustafa Caner: Faculty Member at the Middle East Institute, Sakarya University

The panel will be conducted in Turkish. Simultaneous translation from Turkish to English will be provided.

The panel will be broadcast live on ORSAM's YouTube and X channel.