Articles & research

Writing on a shifting world order.

Peer-reviewed research and regular commentary on Gulf security, maritime strategy, China’s global reach, migration and human security.

Peer-reviewed

Research Publications

Research published in peer-reviewed journals. Each card opens the article where it was published.

International Journal of Arts and Humanities

Oct 2026

Constructing Authority in Yemen: State Fragility, Non-State Actors, and Identity Formation through a Constructivist Lens

A constructivist reading of how state fragility and armed non-state actors reshape authority and identity in Yemen.

Research Publications

SUṢĀMĀ Multidisciplinary Research Journal

Jun 2026

Iran-Saudi Rapprochement and the Transformation of Regional Order in the Middle East: A Post-Realist Analysis

Examines how the Iran–Saudi thaw is reshaping the Middle East’s regional order, beyond classic realist explanations.

Research Publications

The Defence Horizon Journal

Apr 2026

China’s Expanding Footprint in the Middle East

Traces China’s shift from economic partner to an increasingly influential strategic actor in a region long shaped by the US.

Research Publications

ASSA Journal

Mar 2026

Regional and International Cooperation Dynamics among Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Pakistan: An Emerging Trilateral Strategic Mechanism

Assesses the Azerbaijan–Türkiye–Pakistan partnership as an emerging trilateral strategic mechanism.

Research Publications

Journal of Media Horizons

Nov 2025

Between Deterrence and Diplomacy: The Iran–Saudi–Israel Security Nexus

Maps the triangular security relationship between Iran, Saudi Arabia and Israel, and the balance between deterrence and diplomacy.

Research Publications

Journal of Asian Development Studies

Jun 2025

Ethnographic Study of the Saraiki Identity and Its Struggle for Cultural Recognition

An ethnographic study of Saraiki identity and its long struggle for cultural and political recognition.

Research Publications

Journal of Media Horizons

Mar 2025

The Shifting Dynamics of Maritime Security in the Red Sea: Strategic Interests of Gulf States and External Powers

Unpacks the competing interests of Gulf states and outside powers in an increasingly contested Red Sea.

Research Publications

Global International Relations Review

Sep 2024

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Policy Under MBS: Transition from Defensive Realism to Offensive Realism (2016–2023)

Argues that Saudi foreign policy under Mohammed bin Salman moved from defensive to offensive realism.

Research Publications

Commentary

Op-eds & analysis

Commentary for think tanks and policy outlets, newest first. Each card opens the original article.

Paradigm Shift

Nov 2026

Beijing’s Free Ride in the Red Sea Is Running Out

Why China can no longer stay passive on Red Sea security if it wants to protect its trade.

Op-Eds & Analysis

The Diplomatic Insight

Nov 2026

A Desert Kingdom Is Writing the World’s Rulebook for Water

How Saudi Arabia is positioning itself to set global norms on water, this century’s defining resource.

Op-Eds & Analysis

Paradigm Shift

Oct 2026

Why Saudi Arabia’s Water Diplomacy Should Matter to Pakistan

Lessons from Saudi water diplomacy for a water-scarce Pakistan facing shrinking glaciers and treaty pressures.

Op-Eds & Analysis

Modern Diplomacy

Sep 2026

Bahrain’s Warning at the UN: The Gulf Emergency the World Is Overlooking

Bahrain’s warning at the UN General Assembly about a Gulf security crisis the world is ignoring.

Op-Eds & Analysis

Stratheia

Sep 2026

New Muslim Security Architecture: What Bangladesh’s Potential Entry Could Mean for Pakistan

Whether a wider Muslim security framework, possibly including Bangladesh, can work for Pakistan.

Op-Eds & Analysis

Paradigm Shift

May 2026

Can the Abraham Accords Thrive in the Face of Regional Polarisation?

Whether the Abraham Accords can survive a more polarised Middle East.

Op-Eds & Analysis

Stratheia

May 2026

Rebuilding Power

An analysis of how states rebuild power and influence after regional upheaval.

Op-Eds & Analysis

The Diplomatic Insight

May 2026

The Red Sea Crisis and the Militarization of Global Trade Routes

How attacks around Bab el-Mandeb turned a vital trade route into a militarised flashpoint.

Op-Eds & Analysis

Stratheia

Mar 2026

Impact of the 2026 Middle East Conflict on Global Tourism

The knock-on effects of the 2026 Middle East conflict on global travel and tourism.

Op-Eds & Analysis

Modern Diplomacy

Feb 2026

Iran Between Resistance and Reintegration: A Geopolitical Turning Point

Iran at a crossroads between continued resistance and reintegration into the regional order.

Op-Eds & Analysis

Stratheia

Feb 2026

How Somaliland Reshaped Regional Alignments

How developments around Somaliland are redrawing alignments in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.

Op-Eds & Analysis

CSCR

Feb 2026

Balancing Advocacy for Palestine with Global Opportunities

Pakistan’s place on the Gaza Board of Peace, and how it can back Palestinian statehood while pursuing its own interests.

Op-Eds & Analysis

CSCR

Jan 2026

The Iran Impasse and Pakistan’s Regional Stakes

What escalating tensions around Iran mean for Pakistan’s security, economy and diplomacy.

Op-Eds & Analysis

CSCR

Dec 2025

How Pakistan Is Reshaping Its Middle East and Turkey Diplomacy

How deepening ties with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye are raising Pakistan’s diplomatic leverage.

Op-Eds & Analysis

CSCR

Nov 2025

OIC Redefines Investment Diplomacy

The OIC’s new approach to collective investment and economic revitalisation.

Op-Eds & Analysis

CSCR

Jul 2025

Beyond Oil and Allies: China’s Quiet Revolution in the Middle East

China’s tailored partnerships with Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt, and the quiet influence they build.

Op-Eds & Analysis

CSCR

Jun 2025

From Bab el-Mandeb to Gwadar: Pakistan’s Maritime Stakes in the Middle East Security Matrix

Why stable sea lanes from the Red Sea to Gwadar matter for CPEC and Pakistan’s economy.

Op-Eds & Analysis

Modern Diplomacy

Jun 2025

Israel’s Security Challenges Amid the Iran-GCC Rivalry: Balancing Deterrence and Diplomacy

Why Israel’s security depends on combining firm deterrence with skilful diplomacy as Iran-GCC tensions grow.

Op-Eds & Analysis

Stratheia

May 2025

MBS’s Offensive Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia’s Bid for Gulf Supremacy

Saudi Arabia’s assertive diplomacy under MBS and its bid for leadership in the Gulf.

Op-Eds & Analysis

Stratheia

Nov 2024

EU Foreign Policy: Diminishing Political Influence in the Middle East

Why the European Union’s political influence in the Middle East is fading.

Op-Eds & Analysis

Publications

Where his opinions
articles appears

Sep 2025 – Present

POLITICO

Opinion contributor

Mar 2026 – Present

The Diplomatic Insight

Opinion contributor

Feb 2026 – Present

Global Defense Insight

Middle East defence & strategic affairs

Jan 2025 – Present

Stratejik Düşünce Enstitüsü

Research contributor, Istanbul

Nov 2024 – Present

Stratheia Policy Journal

Research contributor

May 2024 – Present

Modern Diplomacy

Contributing geopolitical analyst

May 2024 – Present

CSCR Think Tank

Research contributor

Jan 2024 – Present

Himalayan Policy Journal

Weekly regional analysis

Contributor

World Geostrategic Insights

Geopolitical analyst

Also: The Defence Horizon Journal · Paradigm Shift Think Tank · Pakistan Politico

Work together

Need expert commentary?

Available for op-eds, policy briefs, interviews and research collaboration on the Middle East and Indo-Pacific.

Writing on a shifting world order.

Research Publications

Op-eds & analysis

Where his opinions articles appears

POLITICO

The Diplomatic Insight

Global Defense Insight

Stratejik Düşünce Enstitüsü

Stratheia Policy Journal

Modern Diplomacy

CSCR Think Tank

Himalayan Policy Journal

World Geostrategic Insights

Need expert commentary?

Where his opinions
articles appears