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 flat gravestone set in grass reads: Lloyd A Erickson, PFC US Army, World War II, Sep 14 1906, Apr 22 1984.

Blog, Defense

The Humblest Rank, The Highest Honor Learn More

by Mark Kennedy

November 11, 2025

A man in a dark suit and red tie stands smiling between open iron gates, with a large modern building, green lawn, and a red flag in the background. People are visible in the distance near the building.

Alliances, Digital, Diplomacy, Geopolitics, Indo-Pacific, Speech, Trade

From Reconciliation to Renewal: Thirty Years of the U.S.–Vietnam Partnership Learn More

by Mark Kennedy

November 4, 2025

A large, cream-colored, five-story historic building with black balcony railings, tall windows, and an American flag outside, set against a clear blue sky with trees and a brick wall in the foreground.

Americas, Policy Brief, Supply Chains, Trade

Input to USTR: USMCA’s Overlooked Value Learn More

by Jeffrey Kucik

November 3, 2025

Two news anchors sit at a glass desk in a studio with a city skyline backdrop. The headline reads, CHINA COMMITS TO BUYING SOYBEANS FROM U.S. on the screen, with NEWSNATION branding visible.

Alliances, China, Geoeconomics, Geopolitics, Supply Chains, Trade, TV Interviews, Video

Busan Was a Pause—Now Allies Must Play for Permanence Learn More

by Mark Kennedy

October 30, 2025

Aerial view of London’s Tower Bridge spanning the River Thames at sunset, with the Shard skyscraper on the left and modern city buildings in the background under a clear sky.

Alliances, Blog, China, Geopolitics, Standards, Strategic Competition, Supply Chains, Trade

Leverage Wins Headlines; Architecture Wins the Future Learn More

by Mark Kennedy

October 30, 2025

A group of twelve people, dressed in business and formal attire, stand indoors in a row, smiling at the camera. The background features a modern, geometric wall design.

China, Event, Geoeconomics, Geopolitics, Infrastructure, Strategic Competition, Supply Chains, Transportation

Roundtable on Global Port Ownership and Maritime Security Learn More

by Mark Kennedy

October 29, 2025

A group of officials in suits sit around a conference table during a formal meeting. Two national flags, one of the UK and one of China, are visible in the background, and the atmosphere appears serious and attentive.

Alliances, Artificial Intelligence, Digital, Diplomacy, Indo-Pacific, Innovation, Speech, Technology, Trusted Tech Alliance

Address to Tô Lâm, Vietnam’s National Leader: Building a 24/7 Government Powered by Trust and Technology Learn More

by Mark Kennedy

October 28, 2025

A person types on a laptop with digital graphics overlay, including an AI icon, flow lines, and percentage charts, representing artificial intelligence and data analysis in a modern technological setting.

Artificial Intelligence, China, Geopolitics, Innovation Imperative, Policy Brief, Strategic Competition, Technology

The Global Competition for Dominance in Artificial Intelligence Learn More

by Maria Zaffaroni, Jerry Haar

October 28, 2025

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