Arab Gulf or Persian Gulf? The "naming competition" that underpins these expressions mirrors to competing regional and international agendas. The impact of COVID -19 on a number Gulf-related dynamics.

Covid-19 has not hit North Africa as violently as Europe, but governments have adopted strict measures, with significant consequences on human rights. Furthermore, the pandemic economic consequences will be devastating in the short-to-medium term for the already cash-strapped North African countries, posing a major threat to the fragile social contracts between the state and society.