Taking the long view, it is clear that the nations of the Middle East will not be able to sustain future growth if they do not modernize their political, social, and economic systems. Without greater political enfranchisement, they risk instability. Without new economic inputs, they court economic stagnation. The very political stability of the region will require them to undertake reform and move toward more modern, freemarket economies.

Through joint efforts with policy centers in the Middle East, visiting scholars, lectures and briefings for domestic audiences, the Middle East Institute seeks to analyze the processes of reform currently underway in the Middle East and explore options for U.S. policy to promote positive change. Better informed audiences at home are better able to support those in Middle Eastern countries who are pressing for change.