China-MENA Podcast

Professor Anoushrivan Ehteshami joins us to discuss China and Iran relations and the state of the bilateral relationship, including the comprehensive strategic partnership the two countries finalized last spring, the possibility of Iranian membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and China’s role in the JCPOA. Listen here!

In this episode, we are joined by Shaojin Chai, a professor of international relations at the University of Sharjah to discuss China’s cultural, educational, and religious outreach to the Middle East. Dr. Chai specializes in International Studies, Modern Chinese History, and Political Science. Listen here!

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Tin Hinane El Kadi to discuss Chinese Tech in North Africa, China’s attempt to dominate the digital space in North Africa via tech giants such as Huawei and Alibaba, and the Digital Silk Road.  Dr. El Kadi is co-founder and co-director at the Institute for Social Science Research on Algeria (ISSRA) and an Associate Fellow at Chatham House.  Listen here!

In this episode, we are joined by Ambassador Bilahari Kausikan, former ambassador and Singapore’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss the influence of the US-China Competition narrative on the Southeast Asia region and differences between the Indo-Pacific region and the Gulf in an era of US-China competition. Ambassador Bilahari and host Jonathan Fulton also discuss the differences between the Gulf region and the SEA region in terms of the people, culture, religion, and perspective in this geopolitical competition between the US and China. Moreover, Ambassador Bilahari states that the SEA region welcomes these extra-national powers within the region, as they help economic growth and maintain the balance of power in the region. Lastly, the Ambassador gives some advice to the Gulf countries regarding US-China geopolitics. Listen here!

In this episode, we are joined by Michael Robbins, Director and Co-Principal Investigator of Arab Barometer, to discuss the region’s perception of China based on the Arab Barometer’s surveys, and the different perspectives of the general public versus the elite—as the latter tends to be more favorable toward Beijing. Arab Barometer is a nonpartisan research network that provides insight into the social, political, and economic attitudes and values of ordinary citizens across the Arab world. In the show, Michael also explains the Arab Barometer, its purpose, and how they conduct surveys and collect data. Listen here!

In this podcast’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Lina Benabdallah, a Wake Forest University assistant professor of politics and international affairs. Dr. Lina joins us to provide an overview of China’s influence in the Global South, as well as why China is viewed positively by African countries. She also discusses how China gained positive impressions from Africans and the global implications. Listen here!

In this episode, we are joined by Raja Mohan, Senior Fellow with the Asia Society Policy Institute in Delhi. Mr. Mohan joins us to discuss that in addition to China and the US, India also plays role in the geopolitical dynamics within the Middle East. Mr. Mohan will share with us his knowledge about India’s role in geopolitics in the Middle East as well as the perspective of New Delhi on the influence of the US-China tug-of-war within the region, and provide some insights about maritime security in the Indian Ocean and the growing influence of mixed cultures in the Gulf. Listen here!

In this episode, we are joined by Tuvia Gering, Nonresident Fellow, Global China Hub, Atlantic Council and a researcher at the Diane & Guilford Glazer Foundation Israel-China Policy Center at the Institute for National Security Studies; and by Michael Schuman, Nonresident Senior Fellow, Global China Hub, Atlantic Council, to explore China’s flagship initiatives, the Belt and Road Initiative and the Northern Initiative, as we attempt to uncover the country’s true intentions in funding and supporting genuine global development projects.

Our esteemed guests shed light on the Chinese Communist Party’s approach and its practical implementation tactics of these global initiatives. They also examine Beijing’s progress support, capacity building, and knowledge-sharing efforts—including global development centers and vocational training programs.

Tune in to gain a better understanding of China’s aspirations in shaping global governance. Addressing challenges and skepticism, this episode offers valuable insights for those intrigued by China’s international outreach strategies and its global development initiatives.

Join us to understand China’s aspirations in shaping global governance. Addressing challenges and skepticism, this episode offers valuable insights for those intrigued by international relations and global development. Listen here!

In this episode, our host Jonathan Fulton is joined by esteemed guest Mohammed Baharoon to discuss the shifting dynamics of Gulf countries’ foreign policies– which see the world order based on interconnectedness, not polarity.

From the focus on developmental issues and sustainable economies to the changing perspectives on security and power, our experts explore the implications and potential solutions to foster stability in the region, including China’s support for GCC-Iran normalization, Turkey’s improving relations with the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and the Abraham Accords.

Join us as we tackle crucial topics such as the impact of China’s presence in Africa, the concept of de-escalation as a security strategy, and the evolving landscape of geopolitics in the region and the new Gulf of de-escalation. Listen here!

In this episode of China-Mena titled “China and the Israel-Hamas War: A View from Tel Aviv,” host Jonathan Fulton and guest Dr. Gedaliah Afterman engage in a compelling discussion on the intricate dynamics between China, Israel, and the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The conversation delves into China’s evolving stance, economic interests, potential for mediation, and the conflict’s implications on China’s emerging role in the Middle East.

Join us as we unravel the complexities of this relationship and analyze its impact on regional dynamics. Listen here!