Manama Dialogue: A Hub for Global Security and Geopolitics
The Manama Dialogue serves as a critical annual forum for discussing global security and geopolitical challenges. Established in 2004 and hosted in the Kingdom of Bahrain, this high-level conference is organized under the auspices of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)—a world-leading authority on strategic research—and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Manama.
The event attracts a diverse array of influential attendees, including heads of ministries from across the globe and prominent business leaders, making it a central node for diplomatic discourse and strategic planning in the Middle East and beyond.
Key Facts
- Founded: 2004
- Location: Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
- Organizers: International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) and the Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Purpose: Annual global security and geopolitical conference
- Key Participants: Government ministers, business leaders, and security experts
Recent Conference Highlights
The 2023 Dialogue
The November 2023 session addressed a wide spectrum of urgent global issues. The agenda ranged from the complexities of governance in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic to the immediate geopolitical implications of the Gaza war.
The 20th Manama Dialogue (2024)
The 20th anniversary of the conference took place from December 6 to 8, 2024. This session was marked by significant real-time geopolitical shifts, most notably discussions regarding the resurgence of rebel forces in Syria. In a historic turn of events, the Assad regime fell while the conference was still in progress.
Beyond regional conflict, the 2024 dialogue touched upon cyber warfare. Anne Neuberger, the American deputy national security advisor for cyber and emerging technology, described the "Salt Typhoon" campaign—a sophisticated cyber-espionage operation—as a focused effort to record high-level political figures for intelligence purposes.
Diplomatic Tensions and Boycotts
The inclusion of Israeli officials and representatives from Zionist lobby organizations, such as AIPAC, began after the Bahraini government joined the Abraham Accords in 2020. The Abraham Accords are a series of normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations.
This shift in participation has led to friction. In 2025, the BDS Movement and the Gulf Coalition Against Normalization—an umbrella organization for pro-Palestine groups within the Persian Gulf Arab States—called for a boycott of the Manama Dialogue. They have demanded that the conference cease hosting Israeli representatives and affiliated lobby groups.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Annual |
| Primary Focus | Global Security & Geopolitics |
| Key 2024 Event | Fall of the Assad regime in Syria |
| Key 2024 Cyber Topic | Salt Typhoon espionage campaign |
| Controversy | 2025 boycott calls by BDS and Gulf Coalition |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Manama Dialogue?
It is an annual global security and geopolitical conference held in Manama, Bahrain, since 2004, co-organized by the IISS and the Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Who typically attends the conference?
The event is frequently attended by global heads of ministries and prominent business leaders.
What happened during the 2024 conference regarding Syria?
While the conference was discussing the resurgence of rebel forces in Syria, the Assad regime officially fell.
What is the Salt Typhoon campaign?
According to Anne Neuberger, it is a focused cyber operation designed for espionage by recording high-level political figures.
Why are some groups calling for a boycott in 2025?
The BDS Movement and the Gulf Coalition Against Normalization are calling for a boycott to protest the hosting of Israeli officials and Zionist lobby organizations like AIPAC.
How did Israeli participation in the dialogue begin?
Israeli involvement started after the Bahraini government joined the Abraham Accords in 2020.