Most recent articles by Sebastian Sons
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Saudi sports policyThe limits of Saudi Arabia's football ambitions
Saudi Arabia has emerged as an influential player in the politics of international sports, particularly football. The 2034 World Cup will be hosted by the Kingdom, but war in the Gulf could be jeopardising its ambitious goals.
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Iran WarWill the Gulf states stand together?
Hard hit by Iranian attacks, the business model of the Gulf states is under attack. Yet they are far from defenceless: with coordination—and unity—they could establish themselves as powerful agents of change.
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Trump and the Gulf StatesSkeptical optimism in the Gulf
Saudi Arabia and the Emirates hope to reap economic benefits from the Trump presidency. But the Gulf has learned that Washington cannot be relied upon. Meanwhile, the Saudis could push Trump to take a tougher stance towards Israel.
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Germany and the GulfBalancing ethics and economics
Germany needs a strategy when brokering deals with countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates that allows it to maintain its own moral compass. By Sebastian Sons
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Takeover of Newcastle United by Saudi PIFMohammed bin Salman and the Premier League: more than a game
The takeover of English football club Newcastle United by the Saudi Public Investment Fund is more than an attempt by the Kingdom to boost its own image. There are strategic economic interests behind the deal. Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman is also looking to consolidate his position at home. By Sebastian Sons
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Saudi Arabia, football and the OlympicsMaking the leap from off-side to big league?
The Saudi national team is set to play the German Olympic squad at the Olympics in Tokyo later this month – a chance for the outsiders to make their mark. At the same time, and keen to buff up the nation's badly tarnished image, the Kingdom is looking to pitch for glory in the multi-million dollar football business. It's a risky strategy. By Sebastian Sons
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2022 FIFA World Cup and human rightsPointing the finger at Qatar's rulers is not enough
As Qatar prepares to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the country has come under fire for its treatment of migrant workers, with some nations calling for a boycott of the contest. But this simply misreads the realities of the situation and the underlying problems associated with international migration. By Sebastian Sons
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Egyptian-Saudi relationsTightening the pursestrings
Saudi Arabia has stumped up billions to help Egypt′s economy in recent years. But bilateral relations seem to be cooling under the new Saudi King Salman. An analysis by Sebastian Sons
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Review of Michael Lüders' book on the Arab SpringHow the Arab Revolution Is Changing the World
In his book about the Arab Spring, the well-known Middle East expert and journalist Michael Lüders criticises the West's one-dimensional view of the historic events that have shaken the Arab world over the past year. Sebastian Sons read the book