Bahrain’s Derasat Concludes Second GCC-US Think Tanks Strategic Dialogue

The Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) has concluded the second round of the GCC-US Think Tanks Strategic Dialogue in Washington, organised in cooperation with the American Foreign Policy Council (AFPC) and in coordination with the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The dialogue was sponsored by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain in Washington, D.C., and brought together senior representatives and experts from leading Gulf and US think tanks.

The opening session featured keynote addresses by Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, GCC Secretary General; Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashed Al Khalifa, Ambassador of Bahrain to the United States; Abdulla Mohamed Alahmed, CEO of Derasat; and Ilan Berman, Executive Vice President of AFPC.

Discussions covered GCC-US security cooperation, including deterrence and defence capabilities, crisis management, de-escalation and future security priorities, alongside efforts to strengthen coordination among GCC member states.

Participants also examined ways to protect critical infrastructure and strengthen energy security through alternative logistical routes, export pathways, strategic reserves and secure maritime corridors. The role of artificial intelligence, digital twinning and smart energy systems in improving energy-sector resilience was also discussed.

Another session explored GCC-US economic integration, technology and economic security, including the roles of investment, sovereign wealth, trade and energy in supporting the GCC's position in the global economy.

The dialogue also produced discussions on actionable recommendations, joint research, specialised working groups and regular meetings to maintain long-term GCC-US think tank cooperation.

The Washington meetings represent the second stage of an initiative launched in June 2026. Bahrain is scheduled to host the third and expanded stage in November, bringing together officials, experts and think tank representatives from GCC countries and the United States.