From Oil to Climate Diplomacy: The Evolving Geopolitical Identity of Gulf States in a Decarbonizing World, Dr Youssef Salloum

Dr Youssef Salloum
International Executive School
Strasbourg
France

Purpose: This chapter examines how Arab Gulf states are transitioning from oil-dependent economies to carbon-neutral systems, shifting from oil diplomacy to climate diplomacy while redefining their geopolitical identity.
Methodology: The study employs extrapolation methodology to project climate impacts and energy transition strategies, combined with analytical examination of regional cooperation dynamics.
Findings: Gulf states are transforming climate challenges into environmental leadership opportunities through strategic renewable energy investments, carbon capture technologies, and economic diversification aligned with international climate agreements, despite facing fossil fuel dependence and technical obstacles.
Originality: Provides insights into Gulf states' strategic geopolitical transformation, demonstrating how resource-dependent nations can leverage climate diplomacy to maintain international influence while contributing to sustainability.
Implications: Offers recommendations including accelerating diversification, strengthening cooperation, investing in human resources, enhancing transparency, and developing infrastructure.
Keywords: Gulf Countries, Geopolitical Identity, Oil Diplomacy, Economic Diversification, Climate Diplomacy, Carbon Neutrality.