The Stimson Center’s Middle East Program seeks to inform policy discussions on the Middle East by leveraging regional expertise, convening dialogues, and producing rigorous, non-partisan analysis and scholarship. The program assesses regional geopolitical developments with a focus on conflict management, regional security, and post-conflict peacebuilding. Through sustained engagement with policymakers, scholars, and subject-matter experts, the program aims to advance practical policy thinking rooted in on-the-ground realities.
A core pillar of the program is the convening of high-level Track 1.5 and Track 2.0 regional dialogues that bring together policymakers, academics, and experts to conduct joint analysis, discuss de-escalation processes, and advance regional cooperation. The program also organizes issue-area roundtables to develop impactful policy recommendations informed by global lessons learned and regional experience. The program’s analysis and policy outputs are directly informed by the insights generated through these dialogues and roundtables.
While Iran is characterized by economic sanctions and religious conservatism, its women are adopting entrepreneurial and progressive lifestyles
September 5, 2023
Iran stands to benefit on two fronts from a future inclusion in BRICS –increased legitimacy despite domestic unrest and more trade with growing economies.
August 31, 2023
Membership in BRICS and the SCO strengthens the “Look East” camp in Iran but it remains to be seen what tangible benefits membership can provide given Western economic sanctions
August 30, 2023
The lucrative nature of the VPN business has fed speculation about the involvement of influential people and institutions in Iran
August 22, 2023
While conflict between Iran and Israel seems intractable, historical examples of cooperation and Track II dialogues may ease future tensions
August 15, 2023
In cutting ties with Sweden, Iraqi PM Sudani prevented populist leader Moqtada al-Sadr from using the Quran burning for political purposes
August 14, 2023
Expanding the Abraham Accords to include Saudi Arabia is unlikely to foster regional peace and goes against a trend of détente with Iran
August 9, 2023
Turkish President Erdogan has shown an ability to pivot and shore up regional and transatlantic relations when confronting dire economic problems, many of them self-inflicted.
August 8, 2023
