The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations (NCUSAR) GCC Area Studies Program has been in existence since the National Council’s establishment in 1983. The National Council Board of Directors, Leadership, and Senior Academic Fellows work collaboratively to promote the Council’s mission and objectives in advancing research activities and scholarly engagements.
The National Council’s founding President and CEO, Dr. John Duke Anthony led this ground-breaking area studies research program for over 40 years until his retirement in 2023. Dr. Anthony’s scholarship, privileged personal relations, and visits to the region have set the foundation for the National Council’s enduring focus on this vital region, its peoples, and relations with the United States.
The area research program includes the six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Other neighboring Middle Eastern Countries such as Iran, Iraq, Israel, Turkey, and Yemen may be considered when researching and analyzing the GCC member states internal and external relations. This program emphasizes research and analysis, publications, education, cultural exchange, strategic cooperation, and gatherings centered on scholarly research and analysis.
GCC countries play a crucial role in U.S., regional, and international relations. U.S. – GCC relations are rooted in cooperation, mutual understanding, and constructive consultation aimed at securing regional and global peace and prosperity GCC countries have worked tirelessly to strengthen relations and strategic dialogues in the cultural, educational, scientific, energy, political, diplomatic, security, economic, and commercial fields, in addition to various environmental and development areas.
These nations are longstanding allies, friends, and partners with the United States and play a vital role in confronting global strategic challenges in the area of energy security, counter-terrorism, climate change, and economic and energy security in addition to groundbreaking initiatives in interfaith dialogue.
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