From Oil to Climate Diplomacy: The Evolving Geopolitical Identity of Gulf States in A Decarbonizing World

Law
📊 Article Statistics: 👁️ Views: 10 📥 Downloads: 0

Authors

Name: Youssef Salloum | Country: Lebanese Republic
Department / Fine Specialization: Geopolitics and international relations
Institution / University: Paris graduate school- france

Abstract

This study examines the strategic transition of Gulf states from oil-based diplomacy to climate diplomacy, necessitated by global decarbonization pressures and ambitious national sustainability mandates. Further, by utilizing an analytical framework, the research evaluates the shift toward renewable energy and carbon capture technologies while addressing critical impediments, including fossil fuel dependency, technical barriers, and socio-economic implications for human capital development. Findings indicate that despite systemic hurdles, the region’s vast renewable potential offers a unique pathway to global leadership in clean energy. The study concludes that achieving carbon neutrality and bolstering geopolitical influence requires robust international cooperation, strategic economic diversification, and transparent environmental governance. By offering a viable roadmap for resource-dependent economies, this research underscores the pivotal role of smart infrastructure and green-sector investment in reshaping regional stability within a post-carbon global order.
Keywords: Geopolitical Identity, Oil Diplomacy, Climate Diplomacy, Economic Diversification, Carbon Neutrality, Gulf Countries
Research Language: English
How to cite:
ElQarar Journal for Peer-Reviewed Scientific Research, Vol. 9, Issue 26, Year (3), pp. 307-322.
⚖️ Conflict of Interest:

The author/authors declare no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this research.

💰 Funding:

This study did not receive any financial support or grant from any public, private, or non-profit entity.

References

  1. Al-Mansoori, F. H., Climate statecraft: The Gulf’s new role in a decarbonizing world, Palgrave Macmillan, 2023
  2. Al-Qahtani, N., Diversifying the Gulf: Economic transformation in a post-oil era, Palgrave Macmillan, 2023
  3. Al-Rashoud, A. M., Processing heavy crude, SPE Kuwait Oil and Gas Show and Conference, 2015, Available at: https://onepetro.org/SPEKOGS/proceedings/15KOGS/All-15KOGS/SPE-175328-MS/184715.
  4. Babonneau, F., Badran, A., Haurie, A., Schenckery, M., & Vielle, M., GCC countries’ strategic options in a global transition to zero-net emissions, Environmental Modeling & Assessment, 28, 2023, pp. 709–733.
  5. Guterres, A., Secretary-General’s opening remarks at press encounter on climate (and situation in the Middle East), United Nations, 2023, Available at: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/press-encounter/2023-11-27/secretary-generals-opening-remarks-press-encounter-climate-and-situation-the-middle-east.
  6. Hertog, S., & Luciani, G. (Eds.)., The future of the Gulf: Politics, economics, and the environment in a changing region, Hurst & Company, 2023
  7. International Institute for Strategic Studies, The Gulf states push for renewables but face challenges in climate diplomacy, 2023, Available at: https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/online-analysis/2023/12/the-gulf-states-push-for-renewables-but-face-challenges-in-climate-diplomacy/.
  8. Khullar, N., Scull, N. C., Bhatti, S. F., Wah, A., & Al-Zouman, F., Resistance and resilience during the 1990 Iraqi occupation of Kuwait: A qualitative study, Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology, 25(1), 2019, pp. 24–36.
  9. Kumetat, D., Managing the transition: Renewable energy and innovation policies in the UAE and Algeria, Routledge, 2023
  10. Saudi Green Initiative, Saudi Green Initiative - Vision 2030, 2025, Available at: https://www.vision2030.gov.sa/en/explore/projects/saudi-green-initiative.
CC BY 4.0

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Permitting copying, distribution, and reproduction of the work in any medium or format for any purpose, even commercially, provided the original work is properly attributed.