Founded in 1946, the Middle East Institute (MEI) is the oldest Washington, DC-based institution dedicated exclusively to the study of the Middle East. Its founders, scholar George Camp Keiser and former US Secretary of State Christian Herter laid out a simple mandate: “to increase knowledge of the Middle East among the citizens of the United States and to promote a better understanding between the people of these two areas.” MEI is a respected, non-partisan voice in the field of Middle East studies.
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MEI's Alex Vatanka joins War on the Rocks for an insightful discussion unpacking the latest developments in US-Iran negotiations. Don't miss this timely analysis of one of the most consequential diplomatic relationships affecting global security today.
Despite disputes over how, the United States and Iran may be heading back to the negotiating table. https://lnkd.in/engCxcNq Kerry Anderson Alex Vatanka
In this analysis, MEI's Mirette F. Mabrouk describes the immense pressure Cairo has faced from multiple fronts amid the Gaza conflict, including economic devastation from diverted Red Sea shipping that has cost Egypt billions. Despite this, Egypt remains steadfast against capitulating to US and Israeli demands to accept Palestinian refugees, largely due to security concerns over Hamas militants and strong domestic public support and empathy for the Palestinians. Mabrouk argues that the US has a vested interest in preventing further escalation and should avoid actions that risk increasing instability in the region.
MEI’s Mohammed Soliman and Vincent Carchidi outline a comprehensive national strategy for securing American leadership in artificial intelligence and intensifying global competition. The authors present actionable recommendations spanning energy infrastructure, R&D investments, and international governance frameworks while addressing China’s growing AI capabilities. This analysis approaches AI not merely as a technological challenge but as a geopolitical imperative requiring coordinated policy action to safeguard US strategic interests.
"This is an extraordinarily dangerous moment - and an unnecessary one. Since the fall of Assad, not one attack has targeted Israel from Syria and the country’s security forces have intercepted at least 18 weapons shipments destined for Hezbollah in Lebanon, and dismantled at least eight formerly Iranian-linked rocket launch sites," MEI's Charles Lister tells BBC News.
"Trump is in a dominant position. Republicans in Congress fear him. Nothing can stop him—at least for now. But power is fickle. The longer he’s in the White House, the more vulnerable he may become. Iran shouldn’t wait for that," MEI's Alex Vatanka tells Fox News Media.
MEI's Arts and Culture Center invites you to join an in-person panel conversation on the role of the arts in Iran’s Woman, Life, Freedom protest movement and the impact it continues to have three years after the death of Mahsa Amini at the hands of Iran’s morality police. Register below!
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"Arab officials concluded that the Biden administration provided a lot of process without results. With Trump, they get results without process," MEI's Brian Katulis tells The Washington Post.
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Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute, Host of "Taking the Edge Off the Middle East," and Author of "Making Sense: A Weekly Take on US Foreign Policy"
Trump’s planned spring break to the Middle East: A lot could happen between now and then. My latest “Making Sense” weekly take on U.S. foreign policy with the Middle East Institute
We're excited to relaunch Middle East Focus with an insightful conversation featuring MEI's new CEO, Amb. Stuart Jones. In this episode, hosted by MEI's Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj, Amb. Jones shares his perspectives on the second Trump administration's foreign policy approach, the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape in the region, and Iraq's place in the developing order. Drawing from his extensive experience in both diplomacy and the private sector, he also explores emerging US-Middle East business partnerships and cooperation in AI and technology. Tune in to this discussion wherever you get your podcasts and be sure to join us every Thursday for new episodes of Middle East Focus.
Turkey has plunged into turmoil after authorities arrested Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, President Erdoğan's strongest opponent, on charges of corruption. Mass protests, the largest in over a decade, have erupted nationwide after İmamoğlu was removed from office and jailed just hours before the opposition was set to declare him its presidential candidate. Political scientists warn this is a defining moment for the future of democracy in the country. In this episode of Rethinking Democracy, experts Dr. Karabekir Akkoyunlu and Dr. Senem Aydın Düzgit join host Gönül Tol to break down Turkey's latest turmoil and what it means for the country's democratic future and democracy worldwide. Listen to the full episode of Rethinking Democracy wherever you get your podcasts.