SALT Voices: Dr. Dania Koleilat Khatib | Affiliated Scholar, American University of Beirut (AUB) | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Dr. Donna Khateeb discusses the current state of US-Arab relations and the investment climate in the Middle East at a conference in Abu Dhabi.

Key Insights

• 👻 SALT Abu Dhabi brings together different disciplines, such as geopolitics and investment, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the Middle East.
• 🧍 There is a disengagement trend in US-Arab relations, but complete separation is unlikely due to long-standing relationships and the cost of replacing American military support.
• 🙈 The Gulf countries are diversifying their alliances by engaging with China and Russia, but these alternatives are not seen as viable replacements for the US.

Transcript

this is etosha de Sousa reporting for salt voices and I'm here at the inaugural salt of the lobby with dr. Donna Khateeb affiliated scholar at the Assam Ferris Institute at the American University of Beirut welcome dr. Donna thank you good to have you with us thank you now you've had quite a power-packed day here on the first day of salt abu-dhabi ... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How is SALT Abu Dhabi bringing together different disciplines?

SALT is unique in its integration of geopolitics and investment, opening up discussions on the relationship between the two fields, which is usually lacking in other conferences.

Q: What is the current state of US-Arab relations?

Dr. Khateeb believes there is a disengagement trend, starting with Obama's focus on the middle class America over the Middle East, which has been accentuated by the Trump administration. However, complete disengagement is unlikely due to longstanding relationships and the military ties between the US and Gulf countries.

Q: Will China or Russia replace America in the Middle East?

While the Gulf countries are diversifying their alliances and engaging with China and Russia, they are not seen as viable alternatives to the US, at least not in the medium term. The cost of replacing American military support and the lack of alternatives make complete disengagement unlikely.

Q: What are some of the key topics in the panel on security considerations for investing?

Dr. Khateeb emphasizes the importance of discussing terrorism and technology. The panel will explore the impact of terrorism on investments and the risks posed by technological advancements, such as cyber terrorism. They will also discuss how investors can mitigate these risks.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Dr. Donna Khateeb spoke on a panel about US-Arab relations and their highs and lows, emphasizing the importance of integrating different disciplines.

• She highlights the disengagement trend in US-Arab relations but notes that complete separation is unlikely due to entrenched relationships and the cost of replacing American military support.

• The Gulf countries are diversifying their alliances and engaging with China and Russia, although they are not seen as viable alternatives to the US.