Lebanon’s sectarian political system has survived civil war, economic collapse, and repeated waves of popular protest. Yet its endurance masks a striking contradiction: Most Lebanese appear to reject its organizing principles, but few are willing to take the risks required to challenge it. A nationally representative survey of 3,000 Lebanese citizens conducted by the authors… Continue reading Most Lebanese Reject Sectarian Rule. What’s Preventing Change?

Media outlets face a challenge that goes beyond simply choosing between adopting or rejecting Artificial Intelligence (AI). Outlets are faced with designing a system that integrates digital infrastructure with professional standards. Qatar appears well-positioned for this task, thanks to its digital infrastructure, research investments, and the regional and international presence of its media. Qatar launched… Continue reading Facing the AI Challenge in Journalism

The recent escalation around Saudi Arabia and Yemen has transformed the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement from an ambitious political declaration into an immediate test of regional security cooperation. Signed on August 7 by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan, the pact was presented as a significant step toward a more autonomous and institutionalized form of collective… Continue reading Yemen Shines Spotlight on Mecca Agreement Moving from Promise to Practice