Combating Iran’s “Mutually Assured Destruction” Doctrine: Lessons from History

The principle of mutually assured destruction (MAD) that emerged during the Cold War disincentivized aggression by making adversaries scared that an attack would result in total global annihilation. During the 21st century, Iran has developed an economic version, whereby its response to an existential threat is for it to induce a catastrophic contraction in the […]
Bahrain’s cabinet announces a timely economic support package

Iran’s attacks during the current conflict have created significant economic implications for the Kingdom of Bahrain and the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Drawing upon the practical lessons learned during Covid-19, on 13th April, Bahrain’s cabinet, led by HRH Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of […]
Bahrain’s Diplomacy in a Time of Tensions: Strategic Coordination Across Global and Regional Platforms

The current regional tensions and two-week ceasefire deal has underscored a defining transformation in contemporary diplomacy: influence is no longer derived solely from participation in international institutions, but from the ability to shape agendas across interconnected global and regional platforms. In this context, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s leadership across the United Nations Security Council, the […]
The End of the Era of Containment and the Reconstruction of the Concept of Collective Security

The regional order in the Middle East has long relied, to a large extent, on the principle of containment as one of the main tools for preventing crises from escalating. This approach has been evident over the past decades in how various regional tensions have been managed. Although it has achieved relative success in mitigating […]
How the World Trade Organization can help defuse the current US-Israel-Iran conflict

The fallout from the current US-Israel-Iran war is both global and acute, with immediate consequences for energy markets, trade flows, and economic stability. This creates a clear role for international organizations, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), to help contain and discipline the economic disruption, even though the ultimate resolution of the conflict rests […]
The Importance of IRU-Led Measures to Secure Global Land Corridors Amid Current Developments in the Strait of Hormuz

The current developments involving Iran, Israel, and the United States has already disrupted global trade through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. Iranian actions, including attacks on commercial vessels and restrictions on navigation, have significantly reduced maritime traffic, increased insurance costs, and triggered volatility in global energy markets. This […]
Derasat Researchers participate in an EGIC dialogue on current developments

Researchers from the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) participated in a dialogue on current developments organized by the Euro-Gulf Information Centre (EGIC). The discussion, titled “Research and Resilience: A Euro-Gulf Dialogue”, saw participants exchange views on the current regional crisis, emphasizing the importance of dialogue between researchers from Europe and the […]
Why should the Arab Gulf states be involved in any regional negotiations?

reFollowing President Trump’s announcement on April 8 of a 15-day ceasefire between the warring parties, during which negotiations to reach an agreement with Iran would begin, U.S. President Donald Trump viewed this as a suitable basis for negotiating with Iran. This raises the question of the necessity of involving the Arab Gulf states in those […]
The Imperative for Decisive ITU Action Against Iran: Safeguarding Global Communication Lifelines in the Strait of Hormuz

Today, almost 99 percent of international data traffic flows through underwater fiber-optic cables, the stability of global telecommunications has become a cornerstone of economic security, national defense, and everyday life. However, this vital infrastructure faces an escalating threat from Iran, who has repeatedly signaled toward the targeting of communication lines. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), […]
Derasat Center participates in the University of Bahrain Undergraduate Research and Innovation Conference

Dr. Abdulla Isa Al Abbasi, Director of the Energy and Environment Program at the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat), participated as a keynote speaker in the “University of Bahrain Undergraduate Research and Innovation Conference 2026, with the participation of academics, researchers, and students from various scientific disciplines. In his speech, Dr. […]
