Middle East Transformation Initiative

العمل لمستقبل الشرق الأوسط

The Middle East is on the cusp of a transformation. The region’s economies, environment, politics, and international relations are all shifting simultaneously. While the looming energy transition is the most obvious driver, a climate transition is also underway. These two combine with other factors to create an impending labor transition, and the three will mix with demographics and global communications technologies to create profound social transitions. The consequences hold the promise for more robust and resilient systems, but they also threaten to sharpen food insecurity, destroy livelihoods, and force the migration of tens of millions of people within the Middle East and outside of it.

CSIS is working hand-in-hand with regional leaders and experts, as well as with leading thinkers from around the world to tackle some of the Middle East’s most important challenges in a major new initiative. The first phase of this project focuses on water security and the potential of civil society in the MENA region.

The Middle East Transformation Initiative is supported by Bahaa Rafic Hariri.

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Photo: DELIL SOULEIMAN/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: DELIL SOULEIMAN/AFP/Getty Images

The Thirst for Power

The Middle East has battled water insecurity for centuries, but today, the region is on a razor’s edge. Tackling the politics and power dynamics that have exacerbated scarcity is the only way to tackle this existential issue.

Report by Natasha Hall — March 7, 2025

All Middle East Transformation Initiative Content

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Tipping Point: The Politics of Water Insecurity in the Middle East

While parts of the Middle East are inherently water scarce, tensions in the region and governance issues have brought the region to a tipping point. There is an urgent need to address the politics of water insecurity to alleviate this existential threat.

Commentary by Natasha Hall — March 10, 2025

The Thirst for Power

The Middle East has battled water insecurity for centuries, but today, the region is on a razor’s edge. Tackling the politics and power dynamics that have exacerbated scarcity is the only way to tackle this existential issue.

Report by Natasha Hall — March 7, 2025

Mobilizing for Sustainability

Environmental and climate crises are destabilizing the Middle East and North Africa and destroying communities. Will Todman argues that international actors should see environmental civil society as a strategic partner in their efforts to stabilize the region. 

Report by Will Todman and Martin Pimentel — November 12, 2024

Lebanon’s Dangerous Campaign against Refugees

Surging anti-refugee rhetoric in Lebanon could spiral into further regional violence and outward migration. To prevent a conflict, the EU and the U.S. must step up resettlement efforts and condition their aid to Lebanon to stop forced deportations and growing violence.

Commentary by Natasha Hall and Will Todman — June 4, 2024

Surviving Scarcity: Water and the Future of the Middle East

Human civilization was born out of the Middle East’s waterways. That water is disappearing, threatening the region’s future. To overcome this threat to security, countries will need to finally confront the political obstacles to sustainable and equitable policies. 

Digital Report by Natasha Hall — March 22, 2024