Skip to Content

Research & Commentary Results

Filter by
8723 Results
Pakistan’s military and foreign policy under Gen. Asim Munir
Photo by IRANIAN PRESIDENCY/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
  • Analysis
  • Pakistan’s military and foreign policy under Gen. Asim Munir

    Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa orchestrated a paradigm shift in Pakistan’s traditional geostrategic focus, transitioning from geopolitics to geoeconomics. His successor, Gen. Asim Munir, in command of Pakistan’s military for the past year, now faces the challenging task of turning Gen. Bajwa’s unrealized vision into a reality, a goal that requires cultivating positive interdependence and multi-alignment with a diverse range of partners, while also ensuring domestic stability.

    December 14, 2023

    Gaza war hasn’t halted de-escalation efforts in Yemen
    Photo by AFP via Getty Images
  • Analysis
  • Gaza war hasn’t halted de-escalation efforts in Yemen

    Over the past two months, the Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched missiles and drones into Israel, attacked several commercial ships in the Red Sea, and threatened to block all ships sailing to Israel, regardless of nationality, until Gaza receives humanitarian aid. In the Gulf, there is a growing fear that the situation could constrain ongoing de-escalation talks between Riyadh, the Republic of Yemen Government, and the Houthis, or even take them back to square one were conflict dynamics to escalate.

    December 12, 2023

    Transformational implications of moving toward smart cities in the Gulf
    Photo by Tyson Paul/Loop Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
  • Analysis
  • Transformational implications of moving toward smart cities in the Gulf

    As Gulf nations embrace the opportunities presented by developing smart cities, challenges such as cybersecurity and infrastructure sustainability must be addressed through strategic policies and trusted partnerships to ensure a secure and sustainable digital transition.

    Iran wants its oar in the Black Sea
  • Commentary
  • Iran wants its oar in the Black Sea

    Iran sees lucrative markets across the Black Sea region. It also sees an opportunity to expand strategic cooperation with Russia. And there’s just a chance that America will turn inward in 2025.

    It’s all dangerous. To get the picture, start by connecting the dots.

    AI global governance regime gradually taking shape
    Photo by Alastair Grant - WPA Pool/Getty Images
  • Analysis
  • AI global governance regime gradually taking shape

    In recent years, the international community has witnessed a surge in momentum toward the development of standards for artificial intelligence (AI) governance. The AI Safety Summit, convened last month by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, marked a diplomatic milestone and a definite step in the right direction. However, its impact is contingent on the ability of the global community to navigate the multiparty landscape of AI governance.

    Wars create opportunities for peaceful change: Will the Gaza war serve as a case in point?
    Photo by AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty Images
  • Analysis
  • Wars create opportunities for peaceful change: Will the Gaza war serve as a case in point?

    While war is still raging in Gaza following Hamas’ brutal Oct. 7 attack on Israel, it nonetheless arguably offers an opportunity for a profound shift in the modalities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which looked unlikely in the period preceding the war. Based on analysis of several examples from the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, this article asserts that in order to seize the opportunity, both sides will need legitimate leaderships that enjoy international support and are willing and determined to make concessions and build trust.

    December 7, 2023

    Managing US Relations with Pakistan in Uncertain Times: Opportunities and Obstacles
    Photo by RIZWAN TABASSUM/AFP via Getty Images
  • Analysis
  • Managing US Relations with Pakistan in Uncertain Times: Opportunities and Obstacles

    With the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, America’s bilateral relationship with Pakistan may have come to hold less priority. If it was thought, however, that the U.S. could afford to largely turn its back on Pakistan and its region, it has instead become increasingly evident that American strategic interests and other concerns demand continued attention and involvement. It is imperative that American policymakers take a longer view when it comes to dealing with Pakistan, especially at a time when great power competition is intensifying across South Asia. It is in the interest of both the U.S. and Pakistan to develop a mutually beneficial and sustainable relationship.

    December 7, 2023

    All you need to know about the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor
  • Commentary
  • All you need to know about the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor

    At the September G20 meeting, host country India, along with the United States, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), signed a memorandum of understanding, a non-binding commitment to work towards building two separate “corridors”, essentially envisioning a political line that is connected by some new and some existing, or already under construction, physical infrastructure.

    Change and continuity in India’s relations with Israel and Palestine
    DEBBIE HILL/AFP via Getty Images
  • Analysis
  • Change and continuity in India’s relations with Israel and Palestine

    India’s response to the Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israel and the ensuing Israel-Hamas war have underscored the notable shift in India-Israel bilateral relations that has taken place under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    December 5, 2023

    War delays but likely will not fully derail IMEC plans
    Photo by EVELYN HOCKSTEIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
  • Analysis
  • War delays but likely will not fully derail IMEC plans

    The Oct. 7 Hamas attack against Israel and the latter’s ongoing military operation in Gaza have stalled progress in the development of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and raised questions about its prospects for eventual completion. The IMEC faces multiple viability challenges, but none of them are insurmountable; thus, its participants are unlikely to abandon it.

    Turkey at 100
  • Podcast
  • Turkey at 100

    The year 2023 marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Turkish Republic. MEI Editor-in-chief Alistair Taylor and Turkey Program Director Gonul Tol discuss where things stand today: the political landscape in the aftermath of the May 2023 elections, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s push for constitutional change, and how Turkey is dealing with key foreign policy issues like the Israel-Hamas war, Sweden’s NATO membership bid, and relations with the U.S. 

    MEI’s 12th Annual Turkey Conference

    December 5, 2023

    The Middle East's critical mineral resources: A key to the clean energy transition?
    Photo by Tasneem Alsultan/Bloomberg via Getty Images
  • Analysis
  • The Middle East's critical mineral resources: A key to the clean energy transition?

    The transition toward renewable and clean energy sources, both in the Middle East and around the world, relies on the availability of critical minerals. Critical minerals are set to be the foundation upon which a sustainable, clean energy future is built, catalyzing innovation and progress on a global scale.

    December 4, 2023