Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative Commentary & Analysis

Podcast

Jun 12, 2026

So what’s the strategy for NATO’s transformation?

By the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Host Matthew Kroenig is joined by Admiral Pierre Vandier, Supreme Allied Commander of NATO’s Allied Command Transformation (ACT) to discuss how NATO is confronting the changing nature of war and the evolving threats facing the alliance. NATO ACT leads the Alliance’s military adaptation, coordinating efforts across member nations. ACT works to identify challenges and opportunities to ensure that the Alliance maintains a warfighting edge over its adversaries.

Transcript

May 9, 2025

Press call: Our experts outline what to expect from Donald Trump’s first major trip abroad during his second presidency

By Atlantic Council

Ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East, the Atlantic Council held a press call on May 9, where experts discussed what to expect from the president's first trip abroad.

Iran Israel

Transcript

Jan 29, 2024

Qatar’s prime minister on Israel-Hamas hostage negotiations and the prospects for a two-state solution

By Atlantic Council

At an Atlantic Council Front Page event, Al Thani discussed his country's role in mediating Israel-Hamas hostage negotiations.

Conflict Israel

China-MENA Podcast

Jan 10, 2024

China’s Role and Impact on MENA’s Air Domain

By Atlantic Council

Assaf Heller and Sarah-Masha Fainberg explore Chinese technological transfers and arm exports and its implications on the air domain and military capabilities in MENA, Chinese weapon systems, China's military-civil fusion concerns, and Beijing's growing technological influence on the region.

China East Asia

China-MENA Podcast

Dec 21, 2023

Performative or Substantive Engagement? China & Russia in the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Li-Chen Sim and Mark Katz join us to explore the growing collaboration between China and Russia and its impact on the Middle East, including the amplification of influence through media collaboration as a force multiplier.

China East Asia

China-MENA Podcast

Nov 22, 2023

China and the Israel-Hamas War: A View from Tel Aviv

By Atlantic Council

Gedaliah Afterman joins us for a compelling discussion on the intricate dynamics between China, Israel, and the ongoing conflict with Hamas, as well as the economic interests, potential for mediation, and the conflict's implications on China's emerging role in the Middle East.

China East Asia

China-MENA Podcast

Nov 3, 2023

10 Years On: China’s Belt & Road Initiative and its Future in the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

David O. Shullman and Yun Sun join us to delve into the current state of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the challenges and opportunities it presents for the Middle East's development agendas.

China East Asia
The very top of the US Capitol building is visible with a pink sunset in the background and a US flag on a flagpole to the side.

Testimony

Oct 25, 2023

The urgent threats posed by the Iranian regime: Atlantic Council experts testify before the US House Committee on Homeland Security

By Nathan Sales and Thomas S. Warrick

Nathan Sales and Thomas Warrick testify before the House Committee on Homeland Security on the threat Iran poses to the United States.

Iran Israel

China-MENA Podcast

Oct 11, 2023

The Gulf’s New De-Escalation Foreign Policy Among World Powers

By Atlantic Council

Mohammed Baharoon joins us to discuss the shifting dynamics of Gulf countries’ foreign policies– which are increasingly seein the world order based on interconnectedness, not polarity.

China East Asia

China-MENA Podcast

Sep 20, 2023

China’s Role in Conflict Mediation in the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Helena Legarda and Dr. Sanam Vakil join us to dissect China's strategic approach to mediating conflicts and its consequential impact on the Middle East.

China East Asia