Middle East & North Africa Program

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is undergoing unprecedented, historic, complex, and rapid transformations. These changes, both violent and peaceful, are reshaping the relationships between state and society and among countries, shifting the regional balance of power and influence among regional rivals, and causing fragmentation and polarization.

Stimson’s MENA program, which was relaunched in 2021, is recognized for its role as a bridge-builder between conflicting parties. By providing a platform and safe environment for influential, well-connected experts and officials from the region and beyond to engage in confidential, complex and constructive conversations, the program helps find common ground and develop solutions to the crises that destabilize the region.

In addition to implementing Track 1.5 and Track 2 diplomacy projects, the MENA Program provides thought leadership to policymakers and the media, and academic analysis of regional affairs.