Amit's Blog

The Gulf’s Royal Titans: Wealth, Power, and Geopolitical Chess in the House of Saud, Al Nahyan, Al Sabah, and Al Thani The House of Saud, Al Nahyan, Al Sabah, and Al Thani families, ruling Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, and Qatar, have transformed oil wealth into global influence over the past 35 years, amassing fortunes from $112 billion to over $1 trillion. Through sovereign wealth funds, military might, and soft power, they’ve shaped geopolitics—think Saudi-led Yemen wars, UAE’s COP28 gambit, Qatar’s World Cup spectacle, and Kuwait’s quiet diplomacy. Their leverage lies in energy markets, strategic investments, and diplomatic maneuvering, balancing ties with the U.S., China, EU, Russia, and India to maximize influence. Yet, their power invites scrutiny: vast wealth fuels inequality, authoritarianism draws human rights ire, and regional rivalries (e.g., Qatar blockade) expose cracks. This analysis dives into their wealth growth, power dimensions, and geopolitical impacts.  ...

Saudi Arabia’s Geopolitical and Economic Evolution Over Three Decades and Beyond Saudi Arabia’s geopolitical journey over the past 30 years is a tale of oil-fueled dominance, regional rivalries, and bold reinvention. From the Gulf War to Vision 2030, the Kingdom has navigated global alliances, regional tensions, and domestic reforms with audacious pragmatism. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) anchors its influence, while Iran, Turkey, and a cautious Israel shape its strategic calculus. The U.S. remains a key security partner, but China’s Belt and Road investments signal a multipolar shift. India and Pakistan play niche roles, with India’s economic ties and Pakistan’s military support shaping Saudi strategy. Past terrorism financing casts lingering shadows, yet economic diversification aims to redefine the Kingdom’s global image. This blog delves into these dynamics, exploring trade, defense spending, and regional influence, with data-driven insights. Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia’s n...