The ‘al-Sabah Programme’ has been established to enable cutting-edge interdisciplinary research which aims to improve understanding of the security of sovereign nations, in particular the smaller and more vulnerable states in the Middle East and beyond. It aims to identify those factors which can lead to insecurity within a country or region, to anticipate when aggression between or within states may occur, and to identify and learn how external powers and bodies such as the United Nations Security Council should respond appropriately. Research into such matters within the Programme at the University will yield immense benefit to state actors and non-state organisations alike on the world stage. The Programme aims to have an important, dynamic and lasting effect on decision making with respect to governance and the security of nations worldwide.

The Programme is led by the Sheikh Nasser al-Mohammad al-Sabah Chair who drives the research agenda of the Programme. The Programme also provides dedicated support for postgraduate and doctoral students in the area of international and regional security; organises international conferences and symposia; and aims, through its publication series, to disseminate the best new and innovative research and analysis on regional politics and related security matters.