Under the patronage of H.E. Lolwah bint Rashid Al-Khater, Minister of Education and Higher Education, and Dr. Fatima bint Ali Al-Kubaisi , Dean of College of Arts and Sciences , the Gulf Studies Center at Qatar University (QU), in collaboration with Waseda University in Japan, concluded the Ninth Annual Interdisciplinary Conference. Themed The Gulf Between Stability and Chaos in the Emerging Regional Order, the conference brought together leading experts and researchers from various disciplines.
The event featured over 20 researchers who presented insights and studies aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of ongoing transformations and their implications for regional stability and prosperity.
In her speech, H.E. Lolwah bint Rashid Al-Khater, Minister of Education and Higher Education, remarked, “Today, as we witness wars of extermination and rapidly escalating humanitarian crises, we find ourselves compelled to confront the reality that the international political and legal systems we once relied on are crumbling, revealing the fragility of the global order we have known. This collapse raises pressing questions for all of us, particularly in the Gulf region, prompting us to reflect on the impact of these international failures on our region and how to prepare for a future where international institutions, tasked with ensuring justice and stability, appear to be less effective and, perhaps, less just and equitable.
She added, “As these dynamics evolve, it becomes essential to address the specific implications for our region. Despite the challenges, the Gulf has remained a symbol of resilience and cooperation. However, recent transformations remind us that we are not immune to the challenges shaping the world today. We have witnessed moments of unity and reconciliation within the Gulf Cooperation Council, but we have also observed the emergence of new rivalries beyond our Arab Gulf borders. These experiences underscore that regional security is not guaranteed by internal cohesion alone; it must be built and maintained in alignment with the international challenges we all face."
Dr. Maryam Al-Kuwari, Director of the Gulf Studies Center at QU, emphasized the significance of the collaboration between the Gulf Studies Center and the Qatar Chair at Waseda University. She noted that the conference provided an opportunity for participants to navigate a world filled with challenges, where instability intertwines with the complex bonds connecting nations.
Dr. Al-Kuwari highlighted the Gulf region's growing global significance due to its strategic role in international balances of power. She pointed out that, since the Gulf War—often seen as a precursor to deeper conflicts—the outcomes have far exceeded initial causes. Instead of resolving local disputes, major powers pursued broader objectives, reshaping the regional order, or what is often referred to as the “New Middle East." These conflicts have grown increasingly complex, underscoring the need for dedicated efforts to promote a culture of security and stability.
Dr. Abdullah Baabood, Chair of the State of Qatar for Islamic Area Studies at Waseda University and a member of the Gulf Studies Center, stressed the importance of the conference, stating,
“This ninth edition of the annual conference comes at a critical time, coinciding with major changes at both the regional and global levels. The conference seeks to shed light on these transformations, which require thorough examination to understand their impact on the region's stability. This academic platform gathers leading experts to analyze how these shifts affect the Gulf and the Middle East, particularly as the region remains a central link between East and West."
Dr. Baabood also praised the partnership that facilitated this event, “Our collaboration between QU and Waseda University reflects a shared commitment to delivering a distinguished academic event that addresses vital regional issues. I am honored to have moderated a session discussing the implications of these changes on the Middle East and the Gulf, especially in the context of renewable energy and regional economies."
Prof. Hassan Al-Sayed, Professor of Constitutional Law at QU's College of Law, expressed his satisfaction with the Ninth Annual Interdisciplinary Conference, organized by the College of Arts and Sciences through the Gulf Studies Center. He commented, “The theme of this conference is significant, especially within the current circumstances. Over two days, the event brought together a diverse group of participants, not only from Qatar but also from across the Gulf. Its importance lies in addressing the pressing challenges we face, as recent events have had significant impacts not only on the Arab world but on the global stage."
Dr. Al-Sayed praised Dr. Maryam Al-Kuwari's efforts in organizing the event, adding, “I am confident that the discussions held here will enrich the conference and lead to valuable recommendations. We hope this conference achieves its objectives and significantly contributes to understanding and managing the complex dynamics shaping the Gulf region today."
Key Outcomes:
- As the theoretical session reveals, the Gulf region has emerged as a unit of analysis in regional studies and it has distinctive characteristics, including identity, history, and state formation. These features not only shape intra-GCC dynamics but also influence the Gulf's interactions with the broader region and the world.
- The presentations show that Qatar provides an important and interesting case study for stabilizing regional order through its mediation efforts and hybrid diplomacy via use of non-state actors and soft power instruments. The status-seeking of small states can bring those powers to the fore in conflict resolution and regional stability.