Dr. Sara Bazoobandi

"Digitise or die" – how Ukraine's warning is reshaping Middle East security. This study examines how Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are racing for tech sovereignty through drones, AI, and cyber warfare – transforming regional power balances and challenging global security frameworks.

AI governance is shifting, with national priorities outweighing global coordination. To uphold its leadership in rights-respecting and innovation-friendly AI, the European Union must strengthen its domestic capabilities, expand international partnerships, and assert its regulatory influence.

The GCC countries are undergoing major economic and digital transformation beyond hydrocarbon export, requiring top-tier infrastructure and global tech collaboration. China has emerged as a key partner in this shift. This paper explores this partnership and potential cooperation with Germany and other European economies.

Sanction evasion, economic and military collaboration, and narratives of resistance against a US-led liberal global order bind Russia and Iran together. To thwart their continued and intensified power projection, the West needs to strengthen ties with other key actors in the Middle East and Eurasia.

Einst hofften Mercedes und andere im Iran auf gute Geschäfte. Heute zündelt Teheran im Nahen Osten. Der neue Präsident bietet keinen Anlass zur Hoffnung, kommentiert die GIGA-Forscherin.

This workshop brings together experts from across regions to discuss critical issues at the intersection of AI governance, cyber resilience, and digital transformation.

Gulf Research Meeting 2023, Cambridge University, Cambridge Organisers: Gulf Research Centre Cambridge Hamid Talebian (Speaker), Dr. Sara Bazoobandi (Speaker)

Presentation of a draft paper by Dr. Sara Bazoobandi and Hamid Talebian at the annual Gulf Research Meeting conference.