Clemens Chay, Senior Fellow, Geopolitics

Dr Clemens Chay is Senior Fellow for Geopolitics at ORF Middle East. His research focuses on the history and politics of the Gulf Arab states and the broader geopolitical dynamics of the region. His recent analyses have examined great power involvement in the Middle East and developments in conflict zones including Gaza and Iran.

Previously, he served as Research Fellow at the National University of Singapore’s Middle East Institute, where he provided expert counsel to policymakers and the private sector. Committed to public outreach, he spearheaded an educational series titled “Bridging the Gulf.”

From 2015 to 2018, Clemens taught at Durham University, where he completed his PhD in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies under the auspices of the Al-Sabah Programme. His published work includes academic research, institutional commentaries, and media contributions. He has been featured in the BBC, CNA, SCMP, TIME Magazine, and the New York Times.

Clemens holds an MSc in Defence, Development, and Diplomacy from Durham University and a BA in Political Science from Sciences Po Paris. He also studied at the American University of Kuwait.