Can Lebanon Disarm Hezbollah Without First Rebuilding the State?

Afkār

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Rebuilding Sudan’s Energy Sector: Pathways to Equitable Post-Conflict Recovery

Issue Brief

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As Sudan’s War Shifts, Atrocities Surge and Diplomacy is Tested

Afkār

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Recent
Publications

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December 1, 2025
Issue Brief -
Democracy as Dignity: What Public Opinion Reveals in MENA

Key Takeaways MENA Remains Pro-Democracy: Despite low confidence in political institutions, and the collapse of the Arab Spring’s democratic moment, the majority of MENA citizens still prefer a democratic government. Even in countries with widespread disillusionment, autocracy is not seen as a better alternative. Democracy Dignity: Citizens conceive of democracy as dignity, prioritizing social and economic… Continue reading Democracy as Dignity: What Public Opinion Reveals in MENA

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November 26, 2025
Policy Note -
Navigating Rocky Waters: GCC Strategies for Maritime Security

The GCC maritime security strategy centers on strengthening naval capabilities, integrating AI-driven port technologies, and expanding partnerships to protect vital shipping routes. By combining fleet modernization with advanced surveillance systems and diversified global cooperation, Gulf states are building a more resilient and strategically agile maritime posture.

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November 12, 2025
Issue Brief -
Rebuilding Sudan’s Energy Sector: Pathways to Equitable Post-Conflict Recovery

Key Takeaways Structural and Financial Issues Weigh Heavily on Sudan’s Energy Sector: The sector is structurally weak, highly centralized, and underfunded, with aging infrastructure and inefficient, state-dominated operations. Conflict has damaged key assets and prevented rebuilding. Low Capacity is Obstructing Adoption of Renewables: Operational inefficiencies and a shortage of technical expertise are hindering uptake. Some… Continue reading Rebuilding Sudan’s Energy Sector: Pathways to Equitable Post-Conflict Recovery

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December 1, 2025
Issue Brief -
Democracy as Dignity: What Public Opinion Reveals in MENA

Key Takeaways MENA Remains Pro-Democracy: Despite low confidence in political institutions, and the collapse of the Arab Spring’s democratic moment, the majority of MENA citizens still prefer a democratic government. Even in countries with widespread disillusionment, autocracy is not seen as a better alternative. Democracy Dignity: Citizens conceive of democracy as dignity, prioritizing social and economic… Continue reading Democracy as Dignity: What Public Opinion Reveals in MENA

learn more
December 1, 2025
Issue Brief -
Democracy as Dignity: What Public Opinion Reveals in MENA

Key Takeaways MENA Remains Pro-Democracy: Despite low confidence in political institutions, and the collapse of the Arab Spring’s democratic moment, the majority of MENA citizens still prefer a democratic government. Even in countries with widespread disillusionment, autocracy is not seen as a better alternative. Democracy Dignity: Citizens conceive of democracy as dignity, prioritizing social and economic… Continue reading Democracy as Dignity: What Public Opinion Reveals in MENA

learn more
November 26, 2025
Policy Note -
Navigating Rocky Waters: GCC Strategies for Maritime Security

The GCC maritime security strategy centers on strengthening naval capabilities, integrating AI-driven port technologies, and expanding partnerships to protect vital shipping routes. By combining fleet modernization with advanced surveillance systems and diversified global cooperation, Gulf states are building a more resilient and strategically agile maritime posture.

learn more
November 12, 2025
Issue Brief -
Rebuilding Sudan’s Energy Sector: Pathways to Equitable Post-Conflict Recovery

Key Takeaways Structural and Financial Issues Weigh Heavily on Sudan’s Energy Sector: The sector is structurally weak, highly centralized, and underfunded, with aging infrastructure and inefficient, state-dominated operations. Conflict has damaged key assets and prevented rebuilding. Low Capacity is Obstructing Adoption of Renewables: Operational inefficiencies and a shortage of technical expertise are hindering uptake. Some… Continue reading Rebuilding Sudan’s Energy Sector: Pathways to Equitable Post-Conflict Recovery

learn more
November 12, 2025
Issue Brief -
Rebuilding Sudan’s Energy Sector: Pathways to Equitable Post-Conflict Recovery

Key Takeaways Structural and Financial Issues Weigh Heavily on Sudan’s Energy Sector: The sector is structurally weak, highly centralized, and underfunded, with aging infrastructure and inefficient, state-dominated operations. Conflict has damaged key assets and prevented rebuilding. Low Capacity is Obstructing Adoption of Renewables: Operational inefficiencies and a shortage of technical expertise are hindering uptake. Some… Continue reading Rebuilding Sudan’s Energy Sector: Pathways to Equitable Post-Conflict Recovery

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Events

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7 December 2025
upcoming event 11:30 am GMT - 12:15 pm GMT
Syrian Expectations for the Future: Navigating Post-Conflict Realities
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6 December 2025
upcoming event 12:00 pm GMT - 12:45 pm GMT
Navigating Disruptions to Global Health Financing: Strategic Partnerships to Reclaim Country Ownership
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20 October 2025
past event 9:00 am GMT - 5:00 pm GMT
Beyond the Great Powers: The Rise of Middle Power Diplomacy in the Middle East
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07 December 2025
upcoming event 11:30 am GMT - 12:15 pm GMT

Syrian Expectations for the Future: Navigating Post-Conflict Realities

learn more
06 December 2025
upcoming event 12:00 pm GMT - 12:45 pm GMT

Navigating Disruptions to Global Health Financing: Strategic Partnerships to Reclaim Country Ownership

learn more
20 October 2025
past event 9:00 am GMT - 5:00 pm GMT

Beyond the Great Powers: The Rise of Middle Power Diplomacy in the Middle East

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Afkar

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December 1, 2025
Peacekeepers and UN Resolutions Will Not Save Gaza 

On November 17, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 2803, which endorsed U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza and authorized the deployment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to the territory until the end of 2027. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates all subsequently backed the Security Council… Continue reading Peacekeepers and UN Resolutions Will Not Save Gaza 

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November 20, 2025
Can Lebanon Disarm Hezbollah Without First Rebuilding the State?

Since August, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have been under instructions from their government to present—by year’s end—a plan to bring all weapons in the country under state control. The directive is mainly targeted at Hezbollah, the Shia-led militia that had in recent years grown more powerful than the national army. Yet for decades, Lebanon’s… Continue reading Can Lebanon Disarm Hezbollah Without First Rebuilding the State?

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November 10, 2025
As Sudan’s War Shifts, Atrocities Surge and Diplomacy is Tested 

The balance of power in Sudan’s war appears to be shifting, and with it has come a horrifying expansion of atrocities against the country’s long-suffering civilian population. On October 26, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) conquered the city of El Fasher, the capital of Darfur and the last stronghold of the Sudan Armed Forces… Continue reading As Sudan’s War Shifts, Atrocities Surge and Diplomacy is Tested 

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December 1, 2025
Peacekeepers and UN Resolutions Will Not Save Gaza 

On November 17, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 2803, which endorsed U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza and authorized the deployment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to the territory until the end of 2027. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates all subsequently backed the Security Council… Continue reading Peacekeepers and UN Resolutions Will Not Save Gaza 

learn more
November 20, 2025
Can Lebanon Disarm Hezbollah Without First Rebuilding the State?

Since August, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have been under instructions from their government to present—by year’s end—a plan to bring all weapons in the country under state control. The directive is mainly targeted at Hezbollah, the Shia-led militia that had in recent years grown more powerful than the national army. Yet for decades, Lebanon’s… Continue reading Can Lebanon Disarm Hezbollah Without First Rebuilding the State?

learn more
November 10, 2025
As Sudan’s War Shifts, Atrocities Surge and Diplomacy is Tested 

The balance of power in Sudan’s war appears to be shifting, and with it has come a horrifying expansion of atrocities against the country’s long-suffering civilian population. On October 26, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) conquered the city of El Fasher, the capital of Darfur and the last stronghold of the Sudan Armed Forces… Continue reading As Sudan’s War Shifts, Atrocities Surge and Diplomacy is Tested 

learn more