Research Library

The Middle East is in a new era of mass displacement, with millions uprooted after a year of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, with a new front in Lebanon. In a recent commentary featured in The Conversation, Kelsey Norman and coauthor Nichols R. Micinski examine the long-lasting effects of the region’s humanitarian crisis, highlighting the urgent need for a ceasefire to enable displaced communities to return home and rebuild.

Oil will remain an important driver of America’s economic health for years to come. Any new oil policies implemented by the new administration should recognize the proven efficiency of the current oil market in adapting to change and ensure that secure, affordable oil is available even amid efforts to reduce long-term dependence on it, writes fellow Mark Finley.

In response to the ongoing war in Gaza, the Houthi Red Sea campaign has caused significant economic disruptions — underscoring geopolitical shifts in the region. A new brief from the Edward P. Djerejian Center for the Middle East and the Center for Energy Studies summarizes a conversation in which experts outline how the Houthi challenge has evolved over time and against the backdrop of Yemen’s ongoing conflicts.

The Middle East remains a vital supplier of oil and gas resources, but it could begin to take on a different role. Jim Krane discusses the region’s emerging energy strategies in light of energy transitions, highlighting challenges and opportunities for decarbonization.

Osamah Alsayegh discusses how the recent Iran-Iraq gas deal and the reestablishment of Iran-Saudi Arabia relations signal increased regional cooperation in the Persian Gulf to tackle energy and water challenges, despite geopolitical pressures and U.S. opposition.

Despite its uncertain future in the context of energy transitions, oil remains the largest global energy source, and oil markets will continue to demand attention in the near term given their economic and geopolitical impacts. Mark Finley discusses global oil production, demand, and implications.

Will Iran’s reformist new president bring about meaningful change? Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar and Kristian Coates Ulrichsen joined the Baker Briefing podcast to discuss Masoud Pezeshkian’s surprising electoral victory and what to expect from his administration.

Rapid urbanization and expansion of cities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has created new opportunities — along with environmental risks, lack of financial and natural resources, and social disparity. In a new issue brief, visiting research scholar Osamah Alsayegh explores how developing smart sustainable cities can bring social and economic benefits to the growing urban population.

Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, and Ambassador David M. Satterfield explore what lies ahead for Iran, its people, and the Gulf region following the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.

Climate change, conflict, and displacement in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region present overlapping challenges to policymakers. This new joint report from the Edward P. Djerejian Center for the Middle East and United States Institute of Peace examines four key components — natural resources, urban fragility, gendered impacts, and international financing — and makes specific recommendations to address these complex issues.