What's Happening?
The Atlantic Council's Middle East Programs is actively seeking a Resident Senior Fellow for its Project on Middle East Integration. This full-time position, based in Washington, D.C., requires an experienced and creative leader to shape the project's
research agenda, recruit and manage Nonresident Senior Fellows, and oversee programming and engagements. The Resident Senior Fellow will also collaborate with the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative (SMESI) leadership on funding proposals, conduct outreach to peers and collaborators, and represent the project to government officials, international organizations, donors, and media. A key responsibility includes leading the Middle East Programs' engagement on the Europe-Gulf Forum, which involves serving as a substantive expert on Europe-Gulf policy and diplomacy, supporting events, and contributing to the Europe Gulf Alert newsletter. The role demands extensive background in Middle East studies, political science, or international relations, with over ten years of experience in relevant U.S. government, non-governmental organizations, or think tank positions.
Why It's Important?
This hiring initiative by the Atlantic Council underscores a significant focus on strengthening U.S. interests through enhanced relations and trade in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The Project on Middle East Integration aims to advance policy recommendations for the United States and Europe to foster closer and more productive relationships in the region. The Resident Senior Fellow's role in shaping the research agenda and engaging with key stakeholders will directly influence the discourse and policy proposals related to regional integration, economic liberalization, and sustainable conflict resolution. The emphasis on the Europe-Gulf Forum highlights the growing importance of this geopolitical axis for U.S. foreign policy and economic strategy. By fostering integration and stability in these regions, the U.S. seeks to counter malign influences, promote economic growth, and secure strategic interests, which has direct implications for U.S. national security and economic prosperity. The Atlantic Council's work in this area can inform U.S. government decisions and shape public understanding of complex international dynamics.
What's Next?
The Atlantic Council will prioritize applications submitted by October 30, 2026, for the Resident Senior Fellow position. Once filled, the new Senior Fellow will immediately begin to develop and implement the Project on Middle East Integration's research and programming agenda. This will involve identifying key areas of focus, commissioning research, and organizing events and dialogues that bring together experts, policymakers, and regional stakeholders. The individual will also be crucial in securing funding to sustain and expand the project's activities, engaging with a diverse range of donors. The ongoing engagement with the Europe-Gulf Forum will continue, with the Senior Fellow providing expert input and facilitating discussions on policy and diplomacy. The project's outputs, including reports, policy briefs, and public engagements, are expected to contribute to the broader policy debate in Washington D.C. and Brussels regarding U.S. and European engagement in the Middle East and surrounding regions.
Beyond the Headlines
The establishment and staffing of the Project on Middle East Integration reflect a broader strategic imperative to move beyond traditional conflict-centric approaches in the Middle East towards a more holistic strategy of integration and cooperation. This shift acknowledges the complex interplay between political and economic affairs, recognizing that sustainable peace and stability are often underpinned by robust economic ties and regional collaboration. The Atlantic Council's focus on strengthening relations and trade among key partners and allies suggests an effort to build resilient regional blocs that can address shared challenges, such as economic development, climate change, and security threats, more effectively. This approach could lead to a re-evaluation of existing U.S. foreign policy tools and a greater emphasis on diplomatic and economic instruments over military ones. Furthermore, the project's engagement with the Europe-Gulf Forum highlights the increasing recognition of the Gulf states as pivotal actors in regional and global affairs, not just as energy producers but as significant economic and political partners for both the U.S. and Europe.
