GCC Economies, 2012--------------------------------------------------The 'Arab Spring' of 2011 has affected the countries of the regionto varying degrees, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members,comprising Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Omanand Bahrain. The GCC has become a significant regional bloc playinga vital economic and political role far beyond its shores, given itsgeopolitical strategic location, a preponderance of global energy reservesand a major international player through the use of accumulated financialreserves. A new Gulf is rising, one that is more self assertive, lookingto expand its membership to other Arab countries such as Jordan andMorocco, while at the same time strengthening the bloc's relationshipwith current and emerging trading and strategic partners in Europe,USA and Asia. Regional and international realities, especially theuncertainties unleashed by the 'Arab Spring', are forcing Gulf leadershipto initiate new policies involving closer cooperation amongst GCC countriesto address emerging challenges. This volume brings together thirtyrenowned academics and specialists to examine a range of multifacetedsocial, political and economic issues facing the GCC in key areas suchas: Diversification from a high dependency on a narrow hydrocarbonbase, Social transformation, youth employment and effective genderparticipation, Outward and inward foreign direct investment flows,Prospects for education reforms and e-learning, Sustainable securityin oil, renewable energy (including nuclear) and food, Corporate governance,transparency and enhancing the private sector's operating environment,and, the role and governance of Gulf Sovereign Wealth Funds in investingtheir surpluses. The volume also offers insights for challenges facingthe GCC in monetary union, expanding the regional debt market and Sukukissuance, GCC intellectual property rights application, detailed assessmentsof individual GCC country risk analysis, as well as the sustainabilityof long term government fiscal stimulus programs at the expense ofprivate sector involvement.