Biography
Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, Ph.D., is a fellow for the Middle East at the Baker Institute. His research examines the changing position of Persian Gulf states in the global order, as well as the emergence of longer-term, nonmilitary challenges to regional security. Previously, he worked as senior Gulf analyst at the Gulf Center for Strategic Studies and as co-director of the Kuwait Program on Development, Governance and Globalization in the Gulf States at the London School of Economics.
Coates Ulrichsen has published extensively on the Gulf. His books include “The Gulf States in International Political Economy” (Palgrave Macmillan, 2015), “The United Arab Emirates: Power, Politics, and Policymaking” (Routledge, 2016), and “Qatar and the Gulf Crisis” (Oxford University Press, 2020). Coates Ulrichsen’s articles have appeared in numerous academic journals, including Global Policy and the Journal of Arabian Studies, and he consults regularly on Gulf issues for government and private sector agencies around the world. Coates Ulrichsen holds a doctorate in history from the University of Cambridge.
Contact him at kc31@rice.edu or (206) 915-8028.
Recent Publications
UAE Sets up Federal Gaming Regulator, Paving Way for Casinos and Gambling
Dubai is likely a far larger market, but Ras Al Khaimah "views the launch of a casino as a potential game changer in its own tourism plans,” fellow Kristian Ulrichsen said of the UAE's recent framework for gambling.
US Tries to Reclaim the Mideast
Saudi Arabia's energy and economic ties with Asia now run so deep that it won't want to choose between China and the US, seeking parallel relationships instead, says fellow Kristian Ulrichsen. "They aren’t going to make that choice. They’ve made that very clear."
Saudi Arabia’s Role as Mediator Centre Stage in Ukraine Talks
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is positioning Saudi Arabia as an "indispensable" actor on the international stage, says fellow Kristian Ulrichsen. The kingdom aims to be "central to policy responses to key issues in international politics.”