Explore every episode of the podcast MEnbar

In this episode of MEnbar, host Marc Owen Jones welcomes Adel Abdel Ghafar, Fellow and Director of the Foreign Policy Program at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, to explore the shifting dynamics of Gulf–Asia relations. Ghafar discusses China's growing influence across the Middle East, including its role in energy and infrastructure, arms sales, and advancements in emerging technologies. He examines how Gulf states are positioning themselves as “middle powers” by adopting multi-alignment strategies that balance relationships with China, the United States, and key Asian partners such as India and South Korea. The episode also explores the region’s increasing engagement with non-Western institutions, such as BRICS, evolving trade and currency systems, and the broader implications for the global order as Gulf countries redefine their roles in an increasingly multipolar world.
**This episode was recorded prior to Israel's attack on Iran.

In this episode of MEnbar, host Marc Owen Jones is joined by Justin Dargin, a senior visiting fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs. They discuss his contribution to the dossier, “Carbon Emissions Reduction Strategies for Qatar,” focusing on his chapter titled “LNG Giant and Solar Dreams: Qatar’s Next Energy Chapter.” Dargin explores Qatar’s strategic approach to energy and climate diplomacy, highlighting its efforts to expand LNG exports to East Asia while reducing carbon intensity across its energy sector. He also delves into Qatar’s sector-specific decarbonization strategy, its efforts to build climate partnerships with the Global South, and its broader approach to maintaining economic growth in a changing global energy landscape by promoting cleaner LNG and investing in renewable energy development.

In this episode of MEnbar, host Marc Owen Jones speaks with ME Council fellows Robert P. Beschel Jr. and Paul Dyer about their recent policy note, “USAID in MENA: A Requiem.” They explore the sudden dismantling of USAID operations under the Trump administration and its wide-ranging effects on humanitarian aid, economic development, and civil society in the MENA. Focusing on countries like Jordan, Egypt, Gaza, and Yemen, the discussion delves into the implications for U.S. soft power, local governance, and geopolitical competition, while also considering possible reforms and alternative aid frameworks amid the growing influence of other global and regional actors.

In this episode of MEnbar, host Marc Owen Jones welcomes Nader Kabbani, Senior Fellow and Director of Research at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, to analyze the suddencollapse of the Assad regime and its aftermath. Kabbani explores the economic and institutional decay that led to Assad’s downfall, the military’s rapid dissolution, and the evolving role of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Syria’s future. He also examines Syria’s humanitarian crisis, the role of regional actors in reconstruction, and the shifting strategies of key foreign powers like Iran, Russia, Turkey, and the U.S. as they navigate this new reality.

In this episode of MEnbar, host Marc Owen Jones is joined by Yasmina Abouzzohour, a nonresident fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs and a fellow and lecturer in politics at Princeton University. They discuss her co-authored issue brief, “The Paradox of Trust in the Military in the Middle East and North Africa” where Abouzzohour examines the surprisingly high trust in military institutions across the MENA, even in nations with histories of coups and repression. She analyzes key factors driving this trust, from personal safety to ideological and economic considerations, and compares military-led and civilian-led governance structures. The conversation also goes into governance fatigue, the role of economic encroachment in military trust, and how these dynamics impact efforts to strengthen civilian institutions in MENA. The episode closes with insights into future challenges like economic crises and climate change and the evolving trust landscape in military and political institutions.

In this episode of MEnbar, host Marc Owen Jones welcomes Galip Dalay, a nonresident senior fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, to explore the shifting landscape of Middle East cooperation. Dalay discusses regional integration efforts, from the Abraham Accords to the Development Road project, and examines how the war in Ukraine, the war on Gaza, and the shifting global order are shaping these initiatives. He also reflects on the region's fragile political order and the role of public opinion in shaping future cooperation.

In this episode of MEnbar, host Marc Owen Jones is joined by Hamidreza Azizi, a nonresident fellow at the ME Council, to discuss his latest publication, "Iran’s Shifting Discourse on Nuclear Weaponization: Bargaining Tactic or Doctrine Change?" Azizi discusses the evolution of Iran's nuclear rhetoric, military doctrine, and forward defense strategies. He also explores regional challenges, the impact of Iran's missile and drone capabilities, and global geopolitical influences shaping Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Finally, Azizi examines the factors influencing Iran's potential nuclear future amid rising tensions.

This episode of MEnbar, recorded during the Doha Forum 2024, features Amaney Jamal, the Dean of the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs and co-principal investigator of the Arab Barometer project. Jamal provides an in-depth look at the Arab Barometer's critical work, which captures Arab public opinion on the region's political, social, and economic issues. She unpacks findings from the 8th-wave survey, which reveal shifting attitudes toward global powers such as the U.S. and China and highlights the enduring significance of Palestine in Arab public sentiment. Jamal emphasizes the significance of understanding Arab public sentiment in shaping meaningful reforms and redefining relations of international actors.

Recorded on the sidelines of the Doha Forum 2024, this special episode of MEnbar features Nadim Houry, the executive director of the Arab Reform Initiative (ARI).  Houry shares insights from his career as a human rights advocate and reflects on the evolving challenges of translating grassroots activism into actionable policies and the role of civil society. He explores the ARI's unique approach to fostering inclusive governance, social justice, and environmental sustainability across the Arab world. He also discusses the complexities of regional politics, state-building, and the enduring potential for regional reform despite ongoing crises. 

In this episode of MEnbar, host Marc Owens Jones welcomes Afyare A. Elmi, a non-resident Senior Fellow and the author of "Engaging Al-Shabaab in Somalia: Military Failures and the Merits of Dialogue", published by the ME Council. Elmi speaks on the conflict in Somalia, the evolution of Al-Shabab, the potential/obstacles for negotiations, and the role of external actors. Looking ahead, He outlines concrete steps to be taken for an end to the conflict in Somalia. He provides a comprehensive look at the delicate balance of hope, diplomacy, and resilience that could spell the end to decades of turmoil in Somalia."

In this episode host Marc Owen Jones welcomes June Park, a Visiting Fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, to discuss her latest publication, “AI Competition Amid Expansion of U.S. AI Chip Export Controls into the Gulf.” Park explores why AI chips are being called the "new oil" and their role in the Gulf states’ economic diversification efforts. She also examines the geopolitical dynamics of AI chip production, and the strategic challenges Gulf countries face amid U.S.-China tensions, including the expansion of U.S. chip export controls, and provides pol icy recommendations to address these challenges.

In the second episode of MEnbar, host Marc Owen Jones welcomes Omar H. Rahman, a fellow at ME Council and the editor of Akfar, the council’s online publication providing insights and analysis on current events in the region. Rahman talks about Israel’s evolving strategy in Gaza, and the impact on regional dynamics, from Hamas’ resistance to rising tensions with Lebanon and Iran. He shares insights into how each player’s actions and alliances could shape the trajectory of the conflict, and the broader dynamics of the Middle East.

In the first episode of MEnbar, host Marc Owen Jones welcomes Beverley Milton-Edwards, a non-resident Senior Fellow and the co-author of "Hamas: The Quest for Power". Beverley shares valuable insights into the complex political landscape surrounding Hamas, discussing the organization’s evolving ideology and influence. She offers a nuanced perspective on the War on Gaza, the potential for a ceasefire, and the broader implications for regional dynamics in the Middle East.

MEnbar is a podcast from the Middle East Council on Global Affairs. It's a space for research-based discussions on policy-relevant topics, showcasing the expertise of our fellows and network of experts.