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

Development, Finance, Infrastructure, Policy Brief, Political Economy

Why America Struggles to Compete on Global Infrastructure Learn More

by Mark Kennedy, Jeffrey Kucik

April 9, 2026

A large seashell rests on rippled sand at the bottom of clear, shallow ocean water, with sunlight casting patterns and a blue gradient above.

Blog, Standards

America Will Regret Sitting Out the High Seas Treaty Learn More

by Mark Kennedy

April 8, 2026

A digital illustration of a world map overlaid on a cloudy sky, featuring glowing nodes and connecting lines, symbolizing global networks and communication.

Artificial Intelligence, Blog, Finance, Infrastructure

America Just Entered the AI Systems Race Learn More

by Mark Kennedy

April 3, 2026

A rough mineral specimen with pale blue crystals embedded in a matrix of tan and white rock, displayed against a black background.

Blog, Supply Chains

America Just Won a Cobalt Mine. The Real Test Is What Comes Next. Learn More

by Mark Kennedy

April 2, 2026

A promotional graphic for the NYU DRI Annual Conference titled International Development: Which way now? on April 20, 2026. Panelists: Ambassador Mark Green, Dean Karlan, Alexia Latortue; Moderator: Jonathan Morduch.

Development, Event, Political Economy

2026 NYU DRI Annual Conference | International Development: Which way now? Learn More

March 27, 2026

A colorful pyramid chart shows Jensen Huang’s 5-layer AI Stack Cake: Layer 1 (Energy), Layer 2 (Chips & Compute), Layer 3 (Cloud Infrastructure), Layer 4 (AI Models), and Layer 5 (Applications).

Artificial Intelligence, Finance, Industrial Policy, Middle East & Africa, Policy Brief, Silicon Sovereignty

The Sovereign AI Architects Learn More

March 25, 2026

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

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