Karen Young

Karen Young, a leading Gulf expert at the Middle East Institute, dives into the recent U.S.-Saudi dynamics as President Trump makes a pivotal visit to the region. They discuss the importance of strengthening ties after years of tension, particularly highlighting mutual economic interests and ambitious investments. Young elaborates on the strategic military cooperation and the implications for both nations amid fluctuating oil prices. The conversation also touches on burgeoning tech partnerships, showcasing Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and its efforts to diversify the economy.

Helima Croft, a former CIA analyst and head of commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets; Joe McMonigle, founder of the Global Center for Energy Analysis; and Karen Young, expert on the Gulf's political economy, discuss Trump's recent Gulf visit. They delve into the transactional nature of his diplomacy, focusing on significant AI investments and how they may reshape U.S. relations with Middle Eastern countries. The trio also tackles potential oil price impacts, the complexities of OPEC dynamics, and the shifting landscape towards economic diversification in the region.

In this discussion, Richard Nephew, a former US Deputy Special Envoy for Iran and current senior research scholar, teams up with Karen Young, an expert on Gulf states' political economy. They delve into Israel's strategic airstrikes on Iran, examining immediate oil price impacts and potential Iranian retaliation. The pair highlights the complexities of U.S. involvement and the dangers posed by Iran's nuclear advancements. With rising tensions, they explore the broader implications for global energy markets and the intricate dynamics of regional politics.