The Africa Institute aims to address a major paradox that marks the historical and contemporary relationships between Africa and the Arab Gulf region. Despite recent studies demonstrating that geographic proximity and economic and cultural exchanges over millennia have long wed Africa and the Arab Gulf region, both modern and medieval scholars have often conceived of these spheres as largely separate entities. The two regions share fascinating and deep historical roots that influence both past and present events, including migratory patterns, policy shifts, market-based economic fluctuations, and local and global political changes. The Africa Institute aims to address a major paradox that marks the historical and contemporary relationships between Africa and the Arab Gulf region. Despite recent studies demonstrating that geographic proximity and economic and cultural exchanges over millennia have long wed Africa and the Arab Gulf region, both modern and medieval scholars have often conceived of these spheres as largely separate entities. The two regions share fascinating and deep historical roots that influence both past and present events, including migratory patterns, policy shifts, market-based economic fluctuations, and local and global political changes. The Africa Institute aims to address a major paradox that marks the historical and contemporary relationships between Africa and the Arab Gulf region. Despite recent studies demonstrating that geographic proximity and economic and cultural exchanges over millennia have long wed Africa and the Arab Gulf region, both modern and medieval scholars have often conceived of these spheres as largely separate entities. The two regions share fascinating and deep historical roots that influence both past and present events, including migratory patterns, policy shifts, market-based economic fluctuations, and local and global political changes.