Pillar III: Middle East Economic and Energy Transformation

This pillar will explore the Middle East’s economic, energy, and technological transformations from AI and private-sector growth to regional integration and geoeconomic competition

This initiative will focus on the region’s economic and energy transformations. It will specifically explore efforts to develop vibrant private sectors, create jobs, expand economic activity to new sectors and develop new energy alternatives. The initiative will focus on artificial intelligence and potential opportunities, challenges, and implications of its growing importance in the region and globally. It will unpack the potential for economic integration or corridors both within the region and between the Middle East and other regions. It will focus on the new opportunities inherent in stabilizing Lebanon and Syria, bridging the Gulf to the Mediterranean, Europe, and sub-Saharan Africa. The initiative will also deepen understanding of the region’s geoeconomics and address challenges to economic growth and security.

This initiative is made possible by general support to CSIS.

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Featured Analysis

Featured Event

A Conversation with Lebanon's Minister of Finance, H.E. Yassine Jaber

Presented by Middle East Program
September 21, 2026 • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm EDT

Featured Report

Photo: Omar Albaw / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images

Photo: Omar Albaw / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images

The Self-Reliance Dividend: The Imperative of Syrian Refugees’ Economic Inclusion

The current model for refugee management has failed. Will Todman argues that Gulf and Western actors should advance a new approach that prioritizes Syrian refugees’ self-reliance and private sector integration, making them part of the regional connectivity agenda.

Report by Will Todman — October 5, 2026

Featured Video

Photo: CSIS

After Hormuz: Will the Houthis Block Another Chokepoint?

On March 28th, Iran's Yemeni proxy joined the war in the Middle East, firing missiles at Israel. But they have not yet played one of the most important cards still at their disposal – attacking shipping in the Bab al-Mandeb chokepoint. 

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Featured Project

Photo: Giles Clarke for UN OCHA/Getty Images

Photo: Giles Clarke for UN OCHA/Getty Images

Powering Recovery in the Middle East

Investigating opportunities for donors to support politically- and environmentally-sustainable power infrastructure in conflict-affected settings”

All Pillar III: Middle East Economic and Energy Transformation Content

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Avoiding Another Long War in Yemen

In the wake of the Riyadh airport attacks, Saudi Arabia risks getting sucked into another long, costly war that ultimately only emboldens the Houthis and deepens the regional conflict. Allison Minor outlines a better approach.

Commentary by Allison Minor — October 15, 2026

The Price of Exclusion

This installment of Charting the Middle East spotlights how Western aid cuts have rendered the current international response to Syrian refugees obsolete.

Newsletter by Will Todman — October 7, 2026

Saudi Arabia Faces the Era of Disequilibrium

Saudi Arabia faces a new era of uncertainty. The Iran war has exposed the kingdom to the vulnerabilities of regional conflict, prompting Riyadh to rethink its security partnerships, energy strategy, and Vision 2030 ambitions.

Commentary by Michael Ratney — September 24, 2026

The Levantine Opportunity in a Churning Middle East

The wars of the past three years have eroded the fragile order of the Middle East. Now, for the first time in decades, the Levant has a chance to create a new alignment and build a regional order centered around strong, inclusive states, stability, and open trade.

Commentary by Paul Salem — September 21, 2026

Iran and the Emerging Security Order in the Middle East

The war with Iran has reshaped the Middle East, exposing the limits of U.S. power and raising questions about the future of regional security. As the old order unravels, Tehran may emerge with greater influence in a more multipolar region.

Commentary by Vali Nasr — September 14, 2026

Educating the Kingdom at Home

This installment of Charting the Middle East examines the kingdom's shift from financing overseas education to strengthening domestic educational capacity as part of its broader economic transformation.

Newsletter by Dylan Herman — September 10, 2026