Middle East

The Middle East Program heads CSIS’s work on the region, which analyzes a wide range of political, security, and socioeconomic issues related to the Middle East and North Africa, with special attention to the ways that changes in the Middle East and North Africa have effects beyond the region.

Photo: YASSER QUDIHE/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Famine in Gaza

Critical Questions by Caitlin Welsh, Anita Kirschenbaum, and Zane Swanson — April 11, 2024

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Jon B. Alterman

Jon B. Alterman

Senior Vice President, Zbigniew Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy, and Director, Middle East Program
Seth G. Jones

Seth G. Jones

Senior Vice President; Harold Brown Chair; and Director, International Security Program
Will Todman

Will Todman

Deputy Director and Senior Fellow, Middle East Program
Daniel Byman

Daniel Byman

Senior Fellow, Transnational Threats Project

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2024 Global Forecast: Vying for Influence in the Global South

In the fourth and final installment of the 2024 Global Forecast, CSIS experts analyze the key challenges that will define the battle for influence in the Global South, which will determine geopolitical power and shape the future of the global order.

Digital Report by Michelle Strucke, J. Stephen Morrison, Noam Unger, Caitlin Welsh, Richard M. Rossow, Gregory B. Poling, Ryan C. Berg, Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Craig Cohen, and Alex Kisling — February 7, 2024

2024 Global Forecast: A World Dividing

Amid great power competition and conflicts raging around the world, the 2024 Global Forecast—A World Dividing—offers insights from dozens of scholars on security, technology, geoeconomics, alliances, and the battle for influence in the Global South.

Digital Report — January 25, 2024

Growing Cities On The Frontlines of Climate Change

Agriculture is a huge consumer of water and a major emitter of greenhouse gases. It affects and is affected by climate change. Natasha Hall argues that a focus on agriculture should not distract from the need to address cities, where most people live.

Blog Post by Natasha Hall — December 19, 2023

Babel: Translating the Middle East

Khalid Ikram: Egypt's Economic Crisis

This week on Babel, Jon Alterman breaks down Egypt's economic crisis with Khalid Ikram, a veteran economist and consultant for over a dozen major international development organizations. They talk about the Egyptian military’s role in the economy and how Egyptian policymakers can alleviate the current crisis. 

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman, Will Todman, and Leah Hickert — October 3, 2023

CSIS Babel
Babel: Translating the Middle East

Viewpoint: Data Dead Zone

The Middle East is largely a water data dead zone, complicating water management strategies that could lead to development and peace.

Podcast Episode by Natasha Hall and Leah Hickert — September 26, 2023

CSIS Babel

Water: Access, Livelihoods, and Security

Please join CSIS for a panel discussion regarding water access and security. A quarter of the global population lacks clean water access, particularly marginalized groups like women. Lack of water access is an international security hazard as it exacerbates conflicts. 

Event — September 12, 2023

Babel: Translating the Middle East

Natasha Hall: The Aftermath of Earthquakes in Syria

This week, in a special episode of Babel, Jon Alterman speaks with Middle East Program senior fellow Natasha Hall about the aftermath of the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman and Natasha Hall — February 21, 2023

CSIS Babel
Babel: Translating the Middle East

Jihad Azour: The Middle East's Economic Outlook

Jon speaks with the Jihad Azour of the IMF about the Middle East's economic outlook and the political consequences of economic reforms.

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman, Natasha Hall, and Daniel Sharp — January 10, 2023

CSIS Babel