All in-depth research & reports

Issue Brief

Mar 20, 2025

A lifeline under threat: Why the Suez Canal’s security matters for the world

By Racha Helwa, Perrihan Al-Riffai

The Suez Canal is both a maritime choke point and vital waterway for global trade and energy security. Given its strategic role as the fastest sea route between Asia and Europe, any disruption to the Suez Canal can have outsized impacts on global commerce and energy markets, as have occurred in recent years.

Economy & Business International Markets

Issue Brief

Mar 13, 2025

Present without impact? How the Middle East perceives China’s diplomatic engagement

By Jonathan Fulton

Despite economic advancements and high-profile diplomatic engagements, China’s influence remains largely economic rather than political, Jonathan Fulton argues.

China Economy & Business

Report

Jan 23, 2025

Could Ankara and Cairo develop a more effective diplomatic approach to Sudan’s civil war?

By Nebahat Tanriverdi Yasar

The ousting of Omar al-Bashir in 2019 ushered in a period of profound political instability in Sudan.

Africa Security & Defense

Report

Jan 23, 2025

In the Horn of Africa, Turkey and Egypt unfold a strategic alignment—or potential rivalry

By Federico Donelli

The recent reconciliation between Turkey and Egypt illustrates the potential for cooperation in the Horn of Africa.

Africa Ethiopia

Report

Jan 23, 2025

Will rapprochement unlock the full potential of the Eastern Mediterranean’s natural gas wealth?

By Mona Sukkarieh

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi’s official visit to Turkey on September 4 represented a significant milestone for the two countries.

Energy & Environment Middle East

Report

Jan 23, 2025

Together, Egypt and Turkey may have what it takes to restart Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations

By Abderahman Salaheldin

The Egyptian-Turkish summit in Ankara on September 4 marked years of efforts to normalize relations between the two countries.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

Report

Jan 23, 2025

Turkey and Egypt want better relations. But will Libya doom the rapprochement?

By Alia Brahimi

One major effect of the war in Gaza was to accelerate a rapprochement between rival regional hegemons, Turkey and Egypt.

Libya Middle East

Report

Jan 23, 2025

From rivalry to cooperation: The geopolitical implications of Egypt-Turkey rapprochement

By Karim Mezran, Valeria Talbot, Mona Sukkarieh, Alia Brahimi, Nebahat Tanriverdi, Federico Donelli, Abderahman Salaheldin

Turkey and Egypt’s recent rapprochement comes after years of tension.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and his Kurdish counterpart Masrour Barzani sign deal to restart northern oil exports in Baghdad, April 4, 2023.

Report

Jan 6, 2025

Kurdistan’s share of the 2024 Iraqi budget: More than meets the eye

By Ahmed Tabaqchali

How to account for the autonomous Iraqi region of Kurdistan has complicated budgeting in Baghdad in the past. The latest budget cycle may have addressed some of these problems—and may help reset Baghdad-Erbil relations.

Economy & Business Iraq

Report

Nov 22, 2024

An energy and sustainability road map for the Middle East

By Ariel Ezrahi

The MENA region is facing a severe crisis due to climate change. Here’s how the US can shape a new model of climate diplomacy.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance