Middle East Hotspots
Event-led analysis that separates immediate triggers, actor constraints and the pathways through which local crises can widen.
Research and analysis
Ideas for a changing policy environment
Original CIPMES editorial drafts examine regional change through structured questions, evidence and decision implications.
Major-Power Competition
How external powers use partnerships, trade, technology and security commitments across the region—and where their interests diverge.
U.S. Middle East Strategy
Assessment of American priorities, force posture, diplomacy and the trade-offs between deterrence, partnerships and regional stability.
Gulf Security
Integrated analysis of maritime routes, energy infrastructure, air and missile defence, economic resilience and regional diplomacy.
Middle East Hotspots · 22 October 2026
From event to escalation pathway: a disciplined reading of Middle East hotspots
A useful hotspot assessment separates the trigger from the conflict system, identifies the actors able to widen or contain it, and links warning signs to specific decisions.
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Major-Power Competition · 14 October 2026
Major-power competition in the Middle East: compare instruments, not slogans
Regional influence is built through different combinations of security ties, trade, technology, infrastructure, finance and diplomacy. Comparing those instruments reveals where competition is real and where interests still overlap.
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U.S. Middle East Strategy · 6 October 2026
U.S. Middle East strategy after force posture: linking deterrence, partnerships and diplomacy
Military presence is one part of strategy. Its regional effect depends on political objectives, partner capacity, economic policy and credible diplomatic pathways.
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Gulf Security · 28 September 2026
Gulf security as a connected system: maritime routes, infrastructure and resilience
Ports, energy facilities, air and missile defence, digital networks and diplomatic channels form one security system. Planning improves when dependencies and recovery priorities are assessed together.
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Propose research for consideration
CIPMES welcomes concise proposals for original policy analysis, research papers and informed commentary relevant to international politics and the Middle East.
Editorial guidance
- Submit original work that is not under review elsewhere.
- State the policy question, evidence base and regional relevance.
- Use consistent citations and disclose third-party rights or permissions.
- Keep the proposal abstract concise and focused on the intended contribution.
Research proposal
Provide a working title and abstract. Manuscript files and publication terms are handled through the official editorial channel.