About the center

The Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East examines the barriers preventing many people in the region from reaching their fullest potential. Our work also highlights success stories of individuals and institutions who overcame significant challenges in pursuit of social, economic, and political progress. Inspired by these examples, we delineate practical and implementable policy recommendations that policymakers in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East can implement to unleash the region’s economic and human potential.

Featured commentary & analysis

Featured in-depth research & reports

Experts

Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

The Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative (SMESI) provides policymakers fresh insights into core US national security interests by leveraging its expertise, networks, and on-the-ground programs to develop unique and holistic assessments on the future of the most pressing strategic, political, and security challenges and opportunities in the Middle East. 

Events

We convene the most important stakeholders on issues of primary concern to the transatlantic community when it comes the Middle East and North Africa, from senior US and Middle East government officials to civil society activists and budding entrepreneurs.

Past events

Content

In the News

Feb 22, 2024

Atlantic Council mentioned in The Hill on interview with Qatari Prime Minister

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Feb 22, 2024

Atlantic Council mentioned in The Times of Israel on interview with Qatari Prime Minister

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Feb 22, 2024

Atlantic Council mentioned in Ynet on interview with Qatari Prime Minister

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Feb 22, 2024

Atlantic Council mentioned in Al Jazeera on interview with Qatari Prime Minister

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Feb 22, 2024

Atlantic Council mentioned in Middle East Eye on interview with Qatari Prime Minister

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

Event Recap

Feb 22, 2024

Key strategies for Bahraini women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses across the MENA region

By JP Reppeto

Event Recap for the WIn Fellowship discussion on business scalability for Bahraini women in the MENA region.

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

MENASource

Feb 15, 2024

Unraveling Egypt’s political economy puzzle: It’s more than just economics

By Racha Helwa

Egypt's economy continues to operate using piecemeal economic reforms, which are hindered by strong Nasser-era remnants, resulting in a slow and inconsistent pattern of implementation.

Corruption Economy & Business

Event Recap

Feb 8, 2024

Transforming Saudi Arabia’s digital landscape through empowering women entrepreneurs

By Charles Johnson

Event recap for the Transforming Saudi Arabia’s digital landscape through empowering women entrepreneurs

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

Jan 18, 2024

The real reason the Saudi government is investing in sports. Hint: It’s not to impress you.

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali and Jaime Stansbury

Saudi Arabia’s big financial bets in the sports world are part of its broader Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy away from oil.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

Event Recap

Dec 15, 2023

Decoding the dynamics of venture capital in the MENA region

By Diane Mohamed & Rachel Friedman

Event Recap for the virtual discussion on venture capital in MENA region.

Economy & Business International Markets