MEI regularly hosts leading experts, officials, and journalists, highlighting a range of voices from the region, at weekly in-person events in Washington, online webinars, and conferences.
Invitation-only discussions hosted by Vice President for Policy, Ken Pollack, offering off-the-record insights into the most pressing challenges shaping the Middle East and US strategic interests in the region. Contact [email protected] for information on how to join the invitation list.
The Middle East Institute invites you to an on-the-record briefing examining what comes next for Iran's leadership and the protest movement. To unpack these issues, we will be joined by MEI Distinguished Military Fellow Vice Admiral Kevin Donegan, USN (Ret.), former senior advisor at the World Bank Nadereh Chamlou, and MEI Senior Fellow Alex Vatanka.
Balancing on a Fault Line: Turkey Between Russia, Ukraine, and the US
This webinar discussed the following looming questions: Can Turkey sustain a three-way balancing act between Russia, Ukraine, and the US? Where does Ankara stand on Trump’s peace plan, which would require Ukraine to cede territory to Russia? How does Moscow view Turkey’s S-400 dilemma? And what would the continuation of the Russia-Ukraine war mean for Turkey’s security—and for its already strained relations with the West?
The Middle East Institute hosted Dr. Gregory Gause, Ambassador Michael Ratney, and Dr. Karen Young for an assessment of Saudi policy and the US-Saudi relationship in the wake of the MBS visit.
Israel’s Clan Strategy in Gaza: Using Disorder to Create Order?
This in-depth discussion focussed on Israel's use of non-state actors in modern warfare. Prompted by Dr. Yaniv Voller's 'Israel's Clan Strategy in Gaza,' a provocative new essay in The Middle East Journal, this conversation revealed how Israel has tried to rely on Gazan tribes and what this policy spells for stability and reconstruction.
The Middle East Institute has released the Syria trip report 'A New Day in Syria: Opportunities for Reconstruction and Renewal' in parallel to the recorded debrief. This 2025 Syria Trip Debrief provided context for the report and deeper insight into the recommendations mentioned.
From Strategy to Impact: Strengthening Cultural Diplomacy
Three distinguished thought leaders—each working at the intersection of arts and global engagement—joined us for a discussion about the strategies, tools, and programs needed to build an effective and globally connected cultural diplomacy agenda.
Arab Pop Art Open House & Artist Talk with Marwan Chamaa
At our monthly open house, special guest and participating artist Marwan Chamaa will join us for an artist with co-curators Lyne Sneige and Laila Abdul-Hadi Jadallah
