Middle East & Africa

Overview

Infrastructure, investment, and digital connectivity are shaping new development pathways in the Middle East and Africa. Intensified competition between authoritarian and open models raises critical questions about alignment and influence. The Institute explores how collaborative, transparent, and locally responsive strategies can foster inclusive growth and reduce dependency on coercive actors.

Strategic Question 

Can partners deliver trusted infrastructure, investment, and digital systems that foster inclusive growth while respecting diverse regional priorities?

Featured

Building Digital Trust Together

Building Digital Trust Together

Part of my Mind the Gap and Innovative Imperative series on strategic competition in technology. Around the world, nations are racing to build the digital foundations of their economies — connecting citizens, powering innovation, and modernizing essential services. What’s at stake is not simply who leads in artificial intelligence or semiconductors, but who shapes the architecture of the […]

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Israel vs. Iran: A Flashpoint in the Broader Arc of Strategic Rivalry

Israel vs. Iran: A Flashpoint in the Broader Arc of Strategic Rivalry

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Representative Analyzes Geopolitical Implications of Beijing’s Expanding Global Influence

Representative Analyzes Geopolitical Implications of Beijing’s Expanding Global Influence

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Securing the Supply Chains of the Future

Securing the Supply Chains of the Future

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Russia, China Look to Advance Agenda at BRICS Summit of Developing Countries

Russia, China Look to Advance Agenda at BRICS Summit of Developing Countries

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Content

Banner for SFD USA Early Findings Events by Small Firm Diaries, inviting people to learn about support for small firms and workers, with two American flags in the background.

Americas, Development, Event, External Link, Finance

Small Firm Diaries USA: Early Findings Events Learn More

March 18, 2026

A person’s hands are open beside a laptop and smartphone, with a glowing digital globe and light particles floating above, symbolizing global technology and connectivity.

Americas, Artificial Intelligence, Blog, Development, Finance, Indo-Pacific, Middle East & Africa

The Infrastructure of Intelligence Is the New Development Divide Learn More

by Mark Kennedy

March 18, 2026

Four people stand smiling and posing indoors between two rows of international flags, with a circular emblem on the wall behind them. Three make a shaka hand gesture. The floor is shiny and reflective.

Strengthening Pacific Resilience: Infrastructure and Development Partnerships in the Pacific Islands Learn More

by Mark Kennedy

March 16, 2026

Colorful international flags line the front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, with modern high-rise buildings and a clear blue sky in the background.

Alliances, Geoeconomics, Geopolitics, Policy Brief, Strategic Competition

Middle Power Agency Calls Amid Rules-Based Order and Spheres of Influence Anxiety Learn More

by Prashanth Parameswaran

March 11, 2026

Defense, Geopolitics, Podcast, Security, Supply Chains, Trade, Transportation

Maritime Nation Podcast: Ports of Power and China’s Maritime Toolkit Learn More

by Lea Thome, Mark Kennedy

March 11, 2026

Artificial Intelligence, Development, Industrial Policy, Policy Brief, Stacks of Trust, Technology, Trusted Tech Alliance

The AI Race Will Be Won in the Market Learn More

by Daniela Muhaj, Mark Kennedy

March 9, 2026

A row of tall electrical transmission towers stands on a green field under a cloudy sky at sunset, carrying power lines across the landscape.

Barron’s Interview: Infrastructure Is a Booming Asset Class Learn More

March 6, 2026

Americas, Capital That Connects, Europe, Finance, Indo-Pacific, Industrial Policy, Middle East & Africa, Policy Brief, Stacks of Trust, Strategic Competition, Technology, Trade, Trusted Tech Alliance

From Architecture to Execution: What It Will Take to Scale a Trusted AI Stack Learn More

by Mark Kennedy, Jeffrey Kucik

March 5, 2026

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