Majlis@Waseda: “The Gulf states and Trump’s second presidency”
We are excited to announce that the Chair of the State of Qatar in Islamic Area Studies at Waseda University will be organizing the Majlis@Waseda on May 15, 2025.
Dr. Adel Abdel Ghafar
Program Director & Fellow, Middle East Council on Global Affairs
15 may, 17:30-19:00
Waseda university 3-305
As the prospect of a second term for President Donald Trump looms, Gulf states face a shifting strategic landscape marked by both opportunity and risk. Despite recent efforts to de-escalate regional tensions—particularly through outreach to Iran and Turkey—concerns persist over the potential resurgence of confrontational U.S. policies, especially vis-à-vis Tehran. The 2019 attacks on Aramco underscored the volatility of maximum pressure approaches. Notably, recent backchannel discussions between the United States and Iran in Muscat signal a cautious attempt to manage tensions, though the outcomes remain uncertain.
At the same time, Gulf nations are accelerating economic diversification in response to ongoing instability, while navigating the evolving trajectory of the Abraham Accords, which, though potentially expanding, could invite regional backlash. With global uncertainties—from Ukraine to Gaza—further complicating the landscape, Gulf leaders are working to preserve recent diplomatic gains amid shifting U.S. energy policy and intensifying geopolitical competition.
This Majlis will bring together leading international scholars and regional experts to assess the implications of a potential Trump 2.0 presidency for U.S. engagement in the Gulf. Join us for an in-depth discussion on what lies ahead for the region.
To register: https://forms.gle/NHwJJZMmwjNemrTX7
