John Calabrese teaches international relations at American University in Washington, DC. He is the book review editor of The Middle East Journal and a non-resident senior fellow at the Middle East Institute. He previously served as director of MEI’s Middle East-Asia Project.
Analysis
Ambition, Investment, Collaboration: Trump’s Visit Redefines U.S.-UAE Tech
Trump’s visit to the UAE, centered on artificial intelligence, investment, and defense, will not only highlight the scale of Emirati aspirations but also reveal the complex interplay of state, business, and family networks now shaping the U.S.-UAE relationship.

10 min read

Redlines and Realpolitik: Saudi Arabia’s Diplomatic Test Ahead of Trump’s Visit
Trump’s trip to Saudi Arabia has the potential not only to reinforce the deep-rooted U.S.-Saudi alliance but also to expose the fault lines that could undermine future cooperation.

12 min read

Saudi Arabia’s Water Future: Addressing Scarcity and Ensuring Sustainability
Continuous innovation, efficient institutional coordination, and further international collaboration will be critical to ensuring the kingdom’s water security remains robust in the face of evolving challenges.

14 min read

Aramco’s Diversification Strategy: Fueling Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
Aramco’s journey reflects not just the shift in Saudi energy policy but a broader reimagining of what national oil companies can achieve on the global stage.

14 min read

U.S. Focus on Regional Integration and Partnerships
On U.S.-Gulf relations, a Harris administration would inherit a well-established framework to advance – one it is unlikely to abandon.

7 min read

China’s Expanding Solar Footprint in the Gulf
The Chinese solar industry is strategically expanding into Gulf markets, leveraging the region’s immense solar potential while navigating the risks associated with intense competition and harsh environmental conditions.

11 min read
