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.
Despite rising arms trade due to the Ukraine war, Iran and Russia remain natural economic competitors and their partnership is likely to remain limited
July 13, 2023
Despite intense repression, civil society entities in Iran have proven that they cannot be uprooted or destroyed
July 11, 2023
Progress toward reconciliations has been slow and there are major doubts over how durable and comprehensive their détente will be
July 7, 2023
A weaker Russia needs Iran more; on the other hand, a weaker Russia threatens both countries’ authoritarian model of governance.
July 5, 2023
Iran's nuclear program and hedging strategy have a long history, going back to the days when Iran and the U.S. were friends
June 28, 2023
Saudi Arabia and the Houthis are seeking a long-term cease-fire. Saudi-Iran détente can facilitate this, but it is not the decisive factor
June 26, 2023
Iran is carefully watching reports that Saudi Arabia may normalize relations with Israel and making it clear that it can “resist” any efforts to gang up against it
June 21, 2023
Iran announced that it developed a hypersonic missile that can resist missile defense technologies. But there are doubts about whether this is real or propaganda
June 15, 2023
