Greenwald Interviewed on Fractured GCC Relations
Michael B. Greenwald (Pardee ’07), Lecturer at the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University, was interviewed for a recent article on the fractured relations between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and the implications of the ongoing feud for United States interests.
Greenwald was interviewed for a May 11, 2018 article by the Atlantic Council entitled “Bridging the Gulf in the GCC.”
From the text of the article:
Q: It’s been nearly one year since GCC states—in particular, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain—and Egypt froze relations with Qatar. What have been the implications of this rift for the GCC?
Greenwald: Over the last year, the blockade has impacted the GCC’s political, economic, social, and national security structure that will unlikely return to pre-blockade times. Because of the blockade, Qatar has had no choice but to pivot its trade routes away from its GCC neighbors to Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan. Banking relationships between Qatar and Saudi Arabia/UAE have shifted and likely are not returning.
As it enjoys expanded influence, Iran stands as the sole victor. This new power dynamic for Iran is the most troubling implication of the standoff.Q: How has this rift affected Qatar economically? What impact has it had for Saudi Arabia and the UAE?
Greenwald: The blockade has fractured and energized the GCC region from an economic perspective. This economic shock has only added fuel to the fire of GCC competition, spawning a race in economic diversification, foreign investment, and new trade relationships. The blockade has propelled both Saudi Arabia and Qatar to make some domestic economic changes.
You can read the entire article here.
Michael B. Greenwald is currently a Senior Vice President of Tiedemann Wealth Management and is responsible for working with clients and prospective clients and assisting with the Firm’s business development efforts. Michael is also the Senior Advisor to the President and CEO Fred Kempe of the Atlantic Council. Learn more about him here.