As the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) faces rapidly evolving geopolitical challenges, recent legislative amendments signal a bold shift towards a governance model that aligns with regional visions, economic goals, and cultural values.
In light of the impending US administration led by 45th and 47th President Donald Trump—likely to emphasise a deal-making, pragmatic, and interest-driven foreign policy—the GCC is revisiting its internal governance framework to ensure resilience, self-sufficiency, and unity.
Additionally, the ongoing Israeli genocidal expansion against Arabs brings the region’s need for a cohesive and responsive governance model into sharper focus, one that unites citizens, reinforces identity, and strengthens socio-economic progress.
The recent amendments across the GCC are not merely internal recalibrations but part of a broader realignment to address both internal and external pressures. This ‘New Contract’ emphasises three main pillars: socio-political cohesion, sustainable economic advancement, and independent foreign policy resilience.
The GCC’s New Contract is less about adopting Western democratic norms and more about creating a stable, consultative framework that reflects the unique values and needs of its people. By enhancing the role of advisory councils and fostering constructive citizen engagement, GCC nations are building a form of representation that is consultative rather than divisive. This model responds to Ibn Khaldun’s (1332–1406) theory of social cohesion, which emphasises that societal strength and stability are achieved through unity and a collective sense of purpose.
This governance model is particularly relevant as foreign pressures, like the Trump administration’s anticipated financial, strategic, and military demands on the GCC, could test regional unity. By fostering internal cohesion, GCC nations can maintain a unified stance on regional security and foreign policy, better able to negotiate from a position of strength in matters impacting the Arab world.
The GCC’s wealth has historically relied on hydrocarbons, but national visions, such as Saudi Vision 2030 and Oman Vision 2040, are directing the region toward diversification. With the rise of the digital and AI economy and the orderly energy transition being discussed at COP29, the GCC is uniquely positioned to redefine its economic identity. By advancing sectors like renewable energy, tech innovation, and AI, the New Contract aligns the GCC’s economy with global trends, lessening its vulnerability to foreign energy market volatility.
The pursuit of sustainable economic policies also reflects a commitment to future generations. Regional investment in clean energy, digital transformation, and green technology not only fosters a robust economy but also positions the GCC as a leader in the global transition away from fossil fuels. This alignment with COP29’s goals fortifies the region’s economic resilience, making it less susceptible to external pressures or sanctions that may arise from fluctuating foreign policy stances, like those expected from the incoming US administration.
The ongoing US-backed Israeli genocidal expansion against Arab communities has cast a shadow not only over our region but over the whole world, creating a pressing need for a strong, unified stance in support of authenticity and pride in being brothers and sisters in humanity. The New Contract offers the GCC a framework to respond more cohesively to such challenges, championing Arab issues while fostering regional alliances that promote security and stability.
This internal solidarity is also critical given the expected changes in US foreign policy under Trump, which may deprioritise human rights such as sovereignty, self-determination, and authenticity and lean more heavily toward aggressive transactional alliances.
By investing in a governance model that prioritises resilience and self-reliance, GCC nations can shield themselves from external pressures while upholding their political autonomy. This New Contract enables the GCC to navigate such complexities by fostering strong, collaborative ties within the region and exploring alliances that align with its socio-economic and security interests.
In an era marked by geopolitical shifts, the GCC’s move toward a consultative, cohesive governance model marks a significant step beyond traditional democratic paradigms. It aligns with Ibn Khaldun’s theories on unified leadership and socio-political harmony, emphasising the need for a resilient, adaptable state.
The New Contract ensures that the GCC is better equipped to face an increasingly volatile global landscape, balancing internal cohesion with external independence and forging a new path toward long-term prosperity.
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