Doha: The Gulf Studies Center at Qatar University, in collaboration with the Qatar Chair for Islamic Area Studies at Waseda University in Japan, recently concluded the 9th Annual Interdisciplinary Conference. The conference, themed “The Gulf Between Stability and Chaos in the Emerging Regional Order,” brought together leading experts and researchers from various disciplines to discuss the region’s current dynamics.
According to Qatar News Agency, the presentations highlighted Qatar’s role as a significant case study in stabilizing regional order through mediation efforts and hybrid diplomacy, utilizing non-state actors and soft power instruments. The discussions underscored how the status-seeking behavior of small states like Qatar can play a crucial role in conflict resolution and enhancing regional stability.
The conference emphasized that the Gulf region has emerged as a distinct unit of analysis in regional studies, characterized by unique features such as identity, history, and state formation. These a
spects not only shape intra-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) dynamics but also influence the Gulf’s interactions with the broader regional and global landscape.
On the closing day, HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater delivered a speech, addressing the topics discussed during the event. She highlighted the necessity for joint efforts to tackle accelerating wars and humanitarian crises in the region and beyond. Her Excellency reaffirmed Qatar’s dedication to international cooperation, emphasizing the importance of working with neighbors and the global community to address common challenges, including security, economic resilience, climate change adaptation, and sustainability.
Furthermore, HE the Minister reiterated Qatar’s ongoing commitment to effective mediation for conflict resolution and support for humanitarian initiatives involving multilateral educational institutions. She emphasized that the conference exemplified cooperation and stressed the importance of fosteri
ng dialogues that have a positive impact on international peace, growth, and prosperity.
Director of the Gulf Studies Center at QU, Dr. Maryam Al Kuwari, noted that the conference gathered an elite group of experts and researchers to discuss the region’s current transformations and challenges. Dr. Abdullah Baabood, Chair of the State of Qatar for Islamic Area Studies at Waseda University, highlighted the significance of the conference in understanding the impact of regional variables and transformations given the Gulf’s strategic position as a link between the East and the West.
Dr. Hassan Al Sayed, Professor of Constitutional Law at QU’s College of Law, emphasized the importance of the conference’s theme, especially in the context of recent events that have significantly impacted the region and the world.