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

Leadership

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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 25, 2025

Chamlou joins BBC Persian to discuss the tariff war and the new Ismaili leader

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business
Farsi

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

WIn Fellowship mentioned in Arab News on its event discussing AI’s role in driving economic growth in Saudi Arabia

By Atlantic Council

Artificial Intelligence
Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Feb 3, 2025

The green gold rush: Why renewable energy is Egypt’s next big opportunity

By Jonathan R. Cohen, Racha Helwa

Egypt’s abundant solar irradiance, strong wind corridors, and significant potential for cost-effective green hydrogen production give the country a competitive edge.

Africa
Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Jan 14, 2025

US intervention against Mexican cartels carries major risks. Here’s how to mitigate them.

By Doug Livermore

Cartels have a significant capability to retaliate, but there are ways that the United States can prepare for such risks.

Crisis Management
Mexico

Podcast

Jan 2, 2025

A mercenary client collapses

By Alia Brahimi

Host Alia Brahimi sits down with acclaimed author and former CIA analyst, David McCloskey, to discuss the spectacular collapse of a major mercenary client in Syria.

Conflict
Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Dec 13, 2024

To solve the climate crisis, the world doesn’t just need a new international framework. It needs a new economic model.

By Mohamed Khalil

To combat climate change, the global economy must prioritize the well-being of people and the planet over profit generation.

Climate Change & Climate Action
Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Nov 6, 2024

Donald Trump just won the presidency. Our experts answer the big questions about what that means for America’s role in the world.

By Atlantic Council experts

When Trump returns to the presidency on January 20 next year, a number of global challenges will be awaiting him. Our experts outline what to expect.

Conflict
Economy & Business

Experts react

Oct 26, 2024

Experts react: Israel has hit back at Iran with airstrikes. Is this the road to war or an off-ramp?

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts share their insights on what Israel’s retaliatory strikes against Iran could mean for the prospect of further Israeli-Iranian escalation.

Conflict
Crisis Management

Report

Oct 22, 2024

The economic and social costs of the war in Gaza

By Perrihan Al-Riffai

After a year of war, Israel, the Palestinian territories, and neighboring countries need a permanent ceasefire. But with development gains erased, billions of dollars in infrastructure damaged, and skyrocketing unemployment, the Middle East also urgently needs a solid reconstruction plan.

Conflict
Israel

MENASource

Oct 16, 2024

Vision 2030 has done wonders for women. But there’s still room to enhance their economic roles in Saudi Arabia.

By Beata Polok and Maha Akeel

Saudi Arabia’s progress under Vision 2030 is impressive, but the journey is not yet over.

Civil Society
Economy & Business