In formulating energy policies, Saudi policymakers must contend with competing demands and pressures from internal and external sources.

Jordan has tried to use food reserves as a policy tool to prevent instability. But as the COVID-19 pandemic enters a second year, the economic costs of Jordan’s policy have become increasingly exacting, highlighting the need for increased food import efficiency.

Economic shocks arising from the pandemic and collapsing oil markets expose Iraq’s fragile governance and food insecurity.

The Gulf’s changing security could have serious economic implications as the U.S. continues to disengage from the region.

The implementation of Vision 2030 is bypassing state institutions, creating a public policy crisis and further weakening government institutions.

Syria and its neighbors all have a vested interest in resuming agricultural trade to increase food security across the region.

The overlapping jurisdictions of Saudi Arabia’s governing bodies and the state’s hyper-centralized nature doom such initiatives as Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia is betting that oil markets will rebalance themselves at higher prices, and it has no economic backup plan if prices remain low.

Regional competition and the lack of a cooperation strategy with its neighbors are compounding Saudi Arabia’s inability to act as an oil price setter.

The Kurdish Regional Government is facing immense financial challenges, but its worsening reputation in doing business is severely damaging to the future of the country’s energy industry.