Bridging the Gulf Episode 1 — Politics, Energy, and Opposition in the Gulf: What You Need to Know

The Arab states of the Persian Gulf are global energy powerhouses. The region is traditionally understood as energy-rich, religiously conservative, and ruled by powerful royal families, factors that theoretically contributed to stability in the Gulf. However, the Gulf is changing. Oil prices are low, placing fiscal pressure on Gulf governments. A new generation of royals have come to power, disrupting the status quo. Islamist movements have been more active since the Arab Spring protests and Gulf governments are deeply divided over how to respond. Untangle new trends in Gulf politics, debunk common misconceptions about the region and learn what you need to know to understand the contemporary Gulf in the first episode of MEI's Bridging the Gulf. Speaker: Dr Jessie Moritz, Australian National University Opening tune by audionautix.com