Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

About SMESI

The Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative (SMESI) pays tribute to Brent Scowcroft’s efforts to ensure a cohesive and robust relationship between the US and the region. Those associated with the Initiative engage on a myriad of critical, pan-regional topics, to include: China, Russia, and great power competition in the Middle East; the future of Iran; impending regional security challenges; the politics of Middle East states and decision-making of its leaders; intraregional tensions and conflict; climate and human security challenges; interstate warfare; emerging technologies and their impact on strategic relationships; and the underlying threats facing regional states. 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.

Featured projects

China-MENA

We intensively look at China’s presence and influence in MENA by helping understand the extensive realm of ties between Middle East states and China—and more importantly the future of those ties and the impact to both the region and for the US. SMESI has been at the forefront of these issues with five regional discussion forums, co-hosted with key think tanks and educational partners in Tel Aviv, Cairo, Dubai, Riyadh and Doha, as well as the China-MENA podcast. The podcast, a SMESI endeavor, features conversations with academics, government leaders, academics, and the policy community to shed light on the growing role that China is playing in the Middle East with particular relevance to the US policy community.

Iran Strategy Project

The Iran Strategy Project is designed to synchronize and bring together the Atlantic Council’s policy and analytical efforts on Iran under a single banner, reflecting the unprecedented level of discord and uncertainty in Iran.

Counterterrorism Study Group

The Counterterrorism Study Group is a forum for former counterterrorism officials to review the latest threats, to understand emerging trends and future predictions, and to explore creative new proposals for improving the effectiveness of current policies and operations.

Middle East security in a changing world: Building a sustainable regional security system

On November 2-3, 2021, the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative hosted a conference with TRENDS Research and Advisory addressing “Middle East Security in a Changing World: Building a Sustainable Regional Security System.” The two-day conference featured opening remarks by His Royal Highness (HRH) Prince Turki Al Faisal of Saudi Arabia, Founder and Trustee, King Faisal Foundation, and keynote speaker Joey Hood, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, US Department of State.

Sustainable security of the Middle East: Climate change, challenges, and prospects

On September 28-29, 2022, the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative and TRENDS Research and Advisory held a two-day conference on “Sustainable Security of the Middle East: Climate Change, Challenges, and Prospects.” The conference reflected on the climate change challenges in the MENA region, examining the drivers behind emerging climate–security risks, including threats to food security, water security, health systems, national security, and resilience to climate-driven migration.

Featured in-depth research & reports

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

Issue Brief Jul 8, 2024

Is Iran an ideological state?

By Mahmood Sariolghalam

Mahmood Sariolghalam argues that Islamic fundamentalism did motivate Iran’s international presence in the first decade of the revolution. However, after the death of its founder, Ayatollah Khomeini, the country’s foreign policy now prioritizes policies to guarantee its political survival.

Iran Middle East

Report Oct 8, 2024

A bipartisan Iran strategy for the next US administration—and the next two decades

As tensions spike in the Middle East, how should the next US president approach Iran and its network of proxies including Hezbollah and Hamas? With a strategy that can be maintained for decades, by administrations of either party. A bipartisan, expert working group lays out the details.

Iran Middle East

all in-depth research

Featured event highlights

New Atlanticist Jan 29, 2024

Qatar’s prime minister sees progress on Israel-Hamas hostage negotiations—but warns regional tensions are ‘boiling up’

By Katherine Golden

At an AC Front Page event, Al-Thani discussed talks that took place in Paris over the weekend, which he said made “good progress” on mapping a way out of the conflict.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist Dec 19, 2023

Israeli President Herzog: ‘An amalgamation of forces’ will likely govern post-conflict Gaza

By Nick Fouriezos

The Israeli president also confirmed that Israel would be willing to pause fighting in Gaza again in exchange for hostages.

Conflict Israel

Event Recap Nov 12, 2021

Saudi Arabia’s Prince Turki: No region in the world feels the dangers of strategic confusion more than the Middle East

By Yaseen Rashed

On November 2-3, the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative hosted a conference with TRENDS Research and Advisory addressing “Middle East Security in a Changing World: Building a Sustainable Regional Security System.”

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

Event Recap Oct 27, 2022

UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment Mariam Al Mheiri: Middle East at the heart of new climate reality

By Madeline Hart

An Atlantic Council conference on climate change and security in the Middle East brought together high-level officials from across the region to explore innovative solutions.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

Featured commentary & analysis

MENASource Jan 18, 2025

Why Saudi Arabia is so keen on the Turkish KAAN

By Ali Bakir

With Saudi Arabia previously keen on acquiring F-35 fighter jets from the United States, what has steered Riyadh toward Turkish technology?

Defense Industry Defense Policy

MENASource Jan 21, 2025

What a Secretary of State Rubio means for the Middle East: Getting tougher on Iran and tighter with allies

By Joze Pelayo

By straddling the Ronald Reagan-era and Trump-era Republican foreign policy worldviews, Rubio is now well-positioned to counterbalance isolationist voices within the president’s circle.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

MENASource Jan 6, 2025

The Netzarim Corridor: Tragedy, death, and an obstacle to a lasting ceasefire

By Ahmed F. Alkhatib

The incoming Trump administration will have to wrestle with tactical-level details—especially what happens with the Netzarim Corridor and civilians’ return to the north—if it wants to play a role in mediating a ceasefire and ending the war.

Conflict Crisis Management

all commentary & analysis

Experts

Staff

Jonathan Panikoff

Director, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Economy & Business Financial Regulation

Staff

William F. Wechsler

Senior Director, Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

National Security Middle East

Staff

Joze Pelayo

Associate Director, Strategic Initiatives and Policy, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Arabic Intelligence

Staff

Alex Elnagdy

Associate Director, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Arabic Energy & Environment

Staff

Manal Fatima

Assistant Director, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Defense Technologies Middle East

Fellow

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About SMESI

Featured projects

China-MENA

Iran Strategy Project

Counterterrorism Study Group

Middle East security in a changing world: Building a sustainable regional security system

Sustainable security of the Middle East: Climate change, challenges, and prospects

Featured in-depth research & reports

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

Is Iran an ideological state?

A bipartisan Iran strategy for the next US administration—and the next two decades

Featured event highlights

Qatar’s prime minister sees progress on Israel-Hamas hostage negotiations—but warns regional tensions are ‘boiling up’

Israeli President Herzog: ‘An amalgamation of forces’ will likely govern post-conflict Gaza

Saudi Arabia’s Prince Turki: No region in the world feels the dangers of strategic confusion more than the Middle East

UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment Mariam Al Mheiri: Middle East at the heart of new climate reality

Featured commentary & analysis

Why Saudi Arabia is so keen on the Turkish KAAN

What a Secretary of State Rubio means for the Middle East: Getting tougher on Iran and tighter with allies

The Netzarim Corridor: Tragedy, death, and an obstacle to a lasting ceasefire

Experts

Past events

Tackling Root Causes of Conflict in the Middle East

A New Strategy for US-Iran Relations in Transition

Writing the Future: Harnessing the Power of Youth in the Middle East and North Africa

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