Middle East

The Middle East is undergoing a transformative moment where the old order is vanishing and a new one is beginning to take shape. Wars in Gaza and Iran, the evolution of terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, and the fall of Bashar al Assad have dramatically changed the region, leading to unprecedented conflict and alliances in the midst of changing economies and energy flows. CSIS experts grapple with these fast-moving developments and explore questions surrounding issues such as geopolitics and geostrategy, governance, counterterrorism, economics, and water security.

Photo: ATTA KENARE/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: ATTA KENARE/AFP/Getty Images

Can the United States Enable Post-Conflict Stability?

When the United States takes military action, how can it help countries go from that military action to prosperity, democracy, and stability?

Commentary by CSIS Scholars — April 10, 2026

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Experts

Jon Alterman

Jon B. Alterman

Zbigniew Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy
Seth G. Jones

Seth G. Jones

President, Defense and Security Department; Harold Brown Chair
Daniel Byman

Daniel Byman

Director, Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program
Will Todman

Will Todman

Chief of Staff, Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department; and Senior Fellow, Middle East Program

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Can the WTO Reform? | The Futures Summit

CSIS welcomes WTO Director General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for a discussion on what a reformed WTO could look like - one that integrates trade with global health, climate action, and gender equity.

Event — April 15, 2026

A Country-Led Cooperation Approach to Development | The Futures Summit

Executive Director of UNOPS Jorge Moreira da Silva sits down with CSIS expert Noam Unger to discuss what country-led development cooperation can look like in practice, and how the broader development system can close the gap between available resources and real-world needs.

Event — April 14, 2026

UNDP in this New Era of Development | The Futures Summit

UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo sits down with CSIS expert Enoh T. Ebong to discuss what a reimagined model of development cooperation can look like, and how the broader multilateral system can close the gap between the resources available and the scale of need on the ground.

Event — April 14, 2026

Shocks and Aftershocks | Energy Shots

This biweekly video series, hosted by Joseph Majkut and Kevin Book, delivers clear insights, visuals, and straight talk on the latest energy trends.

Event — April 10, 2026

Southeast Asia Radio

Domestic Politics Updates in Malaysia with Asrul Sani

This week, Greg is joined by Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani to discuss the latest updates from Malaysian domestic politics in the aftermath of a “corporate mafia” political scandal. Japhet and Lauren cover the latest, from Myanmar’s leadership changes to tech investments in Thailand.

Podcast Episode by Gregory B. Poling, Japhet Quitzon, Lauren Mai, and Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani — April 9, 2026

CSIS Southeast Asia Radio

The Fragile U.S.-Iran Ceasefire: Issues to Watch

A fragile ceasefire masks a far more dangerous reality: Iran’s nuclear ambitions unresolved, Lebanon destabilized, terrorism risks rising, and a shadow war between Israel and Iran poised to reignite at any moment.

Commentary by Daniel Byman — April 8, 2026