INITIATIVE ON GRAND STRATEGY
The Future of the Gulf & Global Development & Security Program (GGDS)
The Research Initiative
The CSGEF Initiative on Grand Strategy is a research program designed to analyze, evaluate, and provide actionable frameworks, research, & insights for developing coherent national grand strategies. In an era of intensifying great power competition, technological disruption, and systemic global challenges, this initiative examines the prerequisites, principles, and performance of grand strategy across diverse national contexts. Drawing on historical precedents and contemporary challenges, we place particular emphasis on Gulf states and their strategic positioning in the evolving international order.
Core Components
Thematic Focus
Analysis of how nations can develop and sustain effective grand strategies by integrating all instruments of national power to advance enduring interests in a complex international environment.
Geographic Focus
A global comparative perspective with particular emphasis on the United States, China, and regional powers, including the collective and individual strategic.
Temporal Scope
Historical analysis from post-WWII to the present, informing forward-looking strategic frameworks to address challenges from 2025-2050, including AI disruption and climate transition.
Thematic Scope
Primary Research Question
How can nations develop, implement, and sustain effective grand strategies that integrate all instruments of national power to advance enduring interests in an increasingly complex and contested international environment?
Comparative analysis of grand strategic approaches across historical periods.
Assessment of institutional prerequisites for coherent strategy formulation.
Evaluation of coordination mechanisms integrating diplomatic, informational, military, economic, financial, intelligence, and legal (DIME-FIL) instruments.
Understanding of how domestic foundations enable or constrain external strategic ambitions.
Analysis of adaptation strategies for navigating technological change and non-traditional security challenges.
Research Topics
The initiative explores a wide array of critical topics to provide a holistic understanding of grand strategy
Get Involved
To learn more about our work or to get involved, explore our publications or contact our research team
