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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Upcoming Events

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The World’s Worst Bet: How the Globalization Gamble Went Wrong—And What Would Make It Right.

Content

A person’s hand holds stacked coins with glowing financial charts and upward arrows, symbolizing investment growth and financial success, against a blurred, dark background.

Alliances, Defense, Indo-Pacific, Industrial Policy, Made in Democracy, Policy Brief, Trade

Trump Secured Billions in Investment from Asia. Here’s How to Make Them Count. Learn More

by Jeffrey Kucik, Sam Slocum

November 25, 2025

A group of officials in business attire sit around a long conference table engaged in discussion. Papers, microphones, and water bottles are on the table. Flags and a screen are visible in the background.

Artificial Intelligence, Development, Digital, External Link, Indo-Pacific, Technology

High-Level Roundtable on AI Strategy With General Secretary Tô Lâm and Vietnam’s Leadership Learn More

by Nguyen Anh Tuan, Mark Kennedy

November 23, 2025

Three men in suits sit at a table during a formal meeting or hearing. The man in the center, labeled Mr. Botting, is speaking and gesturing with his hands. Nameplates and microphones are in front of each person.

Defense, Digital, Event, Indo-Pacific, Telecom, Testimony

Securing Global Communications: An Examination of Foreign Adversary Threats to Subsea Cable Infrastructure Learn More

by Alex Botting

November 20, 2025

A man wearing a white hard hat, safety goggles, and a light blue shirt operates a control panel in an industrial or manufacturing facility. Machinery and equipment are visible in the background.

Blog, Industrial Policy, Made in Democracy, Supply Chains

America Can’t Go It Alone Learn More

by Mark Kennedy

November 20, 2025

A man in a suit, red tie, and glasses speaks into a microphone at a panel event. He wears a conference badge and sits in front of a blue backdrop with globe and G1 logos.

Alliances at the Crossroads, Diplomacy, Event, External Link, Geoeconomics, Geopolitics, Indo-Pacific, Strategic Competition, Trade, Video

Trump 2.0: Decoding US Politics for Japan Learn More

by Mark Kennedy

November 19, 2025

The U.S. Capitol building is illuminated at night, with its lights reflecting clearly in a calm body of water in the foreground. The sky is a deep blue, and trees frame the scene.

Blog, Defense, Institutions

Slow Government in a Fast World Learn More

November 18, 2025

A man wearing glasses and a suit speaks during a CNBC interview. Text on screen reads: SADEK WAHBA | I SQUARED CAPITAL Founder, Chairman & Managing Partner. CNBC and Money Movers logos are visible.

Artificial Intelligence, Energy, External Link, Infrastructure, TV Interviews, Video

We’re building AI data centers, just not chasing the ‘over-exuberant’ megaprojects Learn More

November 14, 2025

A close-up of a digital circuit board with glowing blue lines and nodes, representing data flow and technology on a dark background. The image conveys a futuristic, high-tech atmosphere.

Artificial Intelligence, Defense, External Link, Policy Brief, Supply Chains

U.S. Economic Security Learn More

November 13, 2025

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