OMAN'S MOMENT? HORMUZ DIPLOMACY AND THE SEARCH FOR A NEW REGIONAL ORDER

The detailed thematic framework will be announced shortly.

Dr Yousuf Al Bulushi is the Chairman of the Muscat Policy Council, Oman’s first independent think-and-do tank, dedicated to advancing research, policy studies and dialogue to address global challenges. Al Bulushi is actively involved with leading international think tanks, specialising in regional security and GCC international relations, with a particular focus on regional geopolitics. His research examines the GCC region, with a notable emphasis on Oman’s development strategies and foreign policy. A distinguished commentator on Oman’s historical and contemporary geopolitical significance, Al Bulushi’s scholarly work and insights establish him as a leading authority in the fields of regional security, GCC relations and political economy.

Dr James Worrall is an Associate Professor in International Relations and Middle East Studies at the University of Leeds. His research interests lie in the fields of comparative politics, security studies and international relations, with a particular geographical focus on the Gulf and the Levant. His research broadly focuses on: Western relations with the Arab world; Gulf politics, society and security; regional international organisations; decolonisation; counter-insurgency; security sector reform; regime stability and legitimacy in non-democratic states; and diplomatic theory and practice.

Gudrun Harrer, Lecturer in Modern History and Politics of the Near and Middle East at the University of Vienna and the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna; former Senior Editor at Der Standard (until 2025).