Essays

The Promise and Perils of the “Policy Dial” in Syria

Calibrated sanctions relief is replacing “maximum pressure” in post-Assad Syria. Can incremental engagement survive strongmen, regional war, and distracted donors?

Three Years Later

Building a future that gives the Palestinians their right to self-determination is difficult, but absolutely necessary.

A crane extends over scaffolding of a construction project.

The Industrialization of Suez is a U.S.-China Convergence Point

By Islam Alhalawany, and Hossam Heiba

As Egypt continues to absorb the economic and humanitarian costs of wars in almost all directions, improving industrialization capacity at Suez could be its stabilizer, mitigating its chronic external financing pressure.

AI’s Dark Secrets: Inside the Global Exploitation of Data Workers

By Olatunji Osho-Williams

As the Global North continues to benefit from the AI boom, it is increasingly critical that multinational corporations provide protections of and be accountable for the wellbeing of data workers around the world

A photo of the cover of The Oxford Handbook of the Egyptian Economy

Crisis Management, or Long-term Planning? New Handbook Maps Out Egypt’s Economic Future

By Abigail Flynn

The newly published Oxford Handbook of the Egyptian Economy, an initiative of the Egypt Economic Development and Policies project, administered by the American University in Cairo, is the first comprehensive overview of the country’s economy

‘Is it Going to Unify Us or Divide Us Further’: American Youth Reflects on 9/11 Legacy

By Madalina Gilca

For those too young to remember the attacks, political polarization threatens to overshadow shared humanity

A silhouette of two hands shaking over the background of the Chinese flag.

The Mecca Pact and Beijing’s Multipolarity Trap: Why China Should Worry About a Deal It Appears to Welcome

By Jagannath Panda

Summer 2026

For Beijing, the new Muslim alliance may be a case of “be careful what you wish for”.

Deterring Iran: New Avenues for the GCC

By Omar Al-Ubaydli

Summer 2026

In the span of 50 years, Iran has developed a unique threat profile—bolstered by resilient military, economic, and social structures—which now requires tailored long- and short-term deterrence interventions.

The Digital Silk Road and Africa’s Connectivity Future

By Shahinaz Essmat

Summer 2026

Africa is a continent still waiting to not only have access to the internet but to the knowledge, tools, and institutional capacity to shape its own technological future.

The Arrogance and Limits of American Power in the Latest Gulf War

By Alaa Elhadidi

Summer 2026

With waning confidence in American influence and power to maintain peace in the region, Arab middle powers are moving toward a security equation characterized by multi-lateralism and regional defence pacts.

The War over Wartime Narratives

By Hany Farid

Summer 2026

Three information ecosystems are interacting to reshape narrative control of global conflicts: states, influencers, and autonomous AI systems.

The New Gulf Realignments: Saudi-UAE Competition and the Evolution of Regional Order

By Abdelrahim Shalaby

Summer 2026

The GCC is transforming, and the relationship between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi is guiding the change.

The Iran War and the Limits of Great Power

By Gedaliah Afterman, and Caroline Dibble

Summer 2026

As American military power and Chinese geoeconomics fall short, regional players are searching for greater agency.

Libya’s Managed Chaos: Why the ‘Failed State’ Narrative is a Lie

By Youssef Mohammad Sawani

Summer 2026

For over a decade, international commentary on Libya has been trapped in a patronizing loop. It’s time to emerge from that narrative.

Europe’s Credibility Crisis in the Middle East

By Klara Vlahčević Lisinski

Summer 2026

Europe talks about rules but follows power. When power shifts, Europe shifts with it, belatedly and uncertainly.

AI Governance Glossary

Debates around AI are full of technical jargon. Use this as a simple guide for complex topics.

Will Washington and Beijing Nationalize AI Labs?

By Paul Triolo

Summer 2026

Both countries are increasing government oversight on artificial intelligence, but whether (or when) they enact total state control depends on their own perceptions of risk and potential leaps in AI development.

Local Mediation in Southwestern Yemen Alleviates Life Under Siege

By Maeen Al-Obaidi

Spring 2026

For the residents of Taiz under one of the longest military blockades in history, life became a daily struggle of days-long journeys searching for food, water, and vital medical supplies. This is the story of one Yemeni woman whose name became synonymous with bringing the warring parties together.

Reconciling a Fractured Sudan

By Nureldin Satti

Spring 2026

To address Sudan’s problems, the efforts of the Sudanese people and international mediators must be synchronized.

The Complexity of Mediating the Libyan Quagmire

By Abdussalam Elbelazi

Spring 2026

Mediators in Libya hoping to create a mechanism to establish an egalitarian and inclusive state often find themselves challenged by factional politics, foreign interventions, and a heritage of repressive authoritarianism.