The Gulf States – namely Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman – have become highly visible in the media in recent years, but also controversial actors internationally. Saudi Arabia and the UAE's warfare in Yemen, the persecution of dissidents, the treatment of migrant workers, and mega-events like the FIFA World Cup are just some of the things that have sparked strong reactions and emotional debates globally. A Brief Introduction to the Gulf States provides a comprehensive account of the history that has led to this point, painting a multifaceted picture of the Gulf States as they appear today.

The author explains why and how these countries have gained an increasingly important role in world politics, and what challenges they face, both regionally and internationally. Among other things, the Gulf States are some of the world's largest oil and gas producers, and they must find solutions to climate change and water scarcity, as well as the energy transition that this production forces upon them. At the same time, the countries must contend with both religious and political divisions that threaten their stability.