On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale assault on Ukraine in response to suggestions that the latter country might join NATO and the EU. Although the Gulf states are not a party to this crisis, their huge energy reserves mean that the positions that they take are of great importance – and will have a major role in determining the future trajectory of the conflict between Russia and the West.

Because of its great significance and the scope of the potential ramifications for the area, the ACRPS has decided to dedicate the ninth annual Gulf Studies Forum to the Implications of the Ukraine crisis and regional and international competition for the future of security and energy in the Gulf region. The Forum will be held on 22-23 October 2022.

The conference background paper makes it clear that the Gulf is one of the regions most affected by the Russia-Ukraine crisis in three main fields: energy, security and food. Events in Ukraine have disrupted global oil and energy markets and caused major supply concerns. At the same time, they have revealed tensions in the Gulf states’ traditional alliances with the USA, with most Gulf states trying to remain largely neutral in the crisis contrary to US expectations; Iran, meanwhile, has presented itself as a possible solution to prospective oil shortages, increasing the pressure on the Gulf to take a clear position. Rapid increases in the cost of grains and other agricultural products also have repercussions for GCC food security.

* background paper

** Forum Booklet