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Mark R. Kennedy

Strategic Competition: Economic

Economic Engagement with the Middle East and Africa

Research Focus

Capture untapped mutually beneficial opportunities for economic engagement while encouraging greater exchange within each region.
See "MDBs, DFIs, Development Finance" webpage regarding significantly expanding support for private investment throughout the region.

Events and Publications

DISCUSSING A RESET IN US - SOUTH AFRICA RELATIONS

MEETING WITH PARKS TAU - SOUTH AFRICA'S NEW MINISTER OF TRADE, INDUSTRY, AND COMPETITION. - JULY 23, 2024
We met a decade ago in Johannesburg when he was mayor (Photo). For all the challenges the US has with South Africa, America should see their recent formation of a government of national unity as a testament to the depth of their democratic roots and as an opportunity to reset our relationship.

Visit to Bahrain and Qatar

May 16-21 2024
Side meetings while attending the Global Security Forum in Doha enhanced my understanding of regional issues.

COMPETITION FOR THE GLOBAL SOUTH: DOES THE U.S. HAVE A VALUE PROPOSITION?

PANELIST AT US CHAMBER CHINA BUSINESS CONFERENCE - MAY 8, 2024

UNDERSTANDING THE ECONOMIC RAMIFICATIONS OF THE HAMAS-ISRAEL WAR ON ISRAEL

WILSON CENTER INTERVIEW - JANUARY 31, 2024

AFRICA’S GROWING CITIES: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

WILSON CENTER PANEL DISCUSSION - JANUARY 16, 2024
Co-Panelist: Hon. Geordin Hill-Lewis Mayor of Cape Town, South Africa.

ROUNDTABLE WITH NIGERIA THINK THANK

WILSON CENTER EVENT WITH NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR POLICY AND STRATEGIC STUDIES (NIPSS) - NOVEMBER 8, 2023

TEN REASONS WHY THE US SHOULD RENEW AGOA

WILSON CENTER POLICY BRIEF - NOV 2, 2023

CHINA EXPLOITS ISRAEL-HAMAS CONFLICT TO DIMINISH US GLOBAL INFLUENCE, ANALYSTS SAY

QUOTED IN VOA - OCTOBER 13, 2023
Mark Kennedy, director of the Wilson Center's Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition who served as U.S. congressman representing Minnesota from 2001-07, said, "Depending how the tragic Israeli-Hamas conflict plays out, it could actually enhance American standing in its strategic competition with China."

REPRESENTATIVE ANALYZES GEOPOLITICAL IMPLICATIONS OF BEJING'S EXPANDING GLOBAL INFLUENCE

NEWSNATION LIVE INTERVIEW - MARCH 13, 2023

CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER QIN GANG MADE HIS DEBUT AFTER TAKING OFFICE

QUOTE IN VOICE OF AMERICA - JANUARY 13, 2023
"Whether it's health care, education, financial services or agriculture, the U.S. remains a technological leader in all areas that could benefit Africa. The U.S. still has strong ties across Africa. But given that we're dealing with a peer rival and given that they are prioritizing Africa and giving it a lot of attention, it will require the United States to do more."

AMERICA MUST UP ITS GAME IN AFRICA

OP-ED IN THE HILL - DECEMBER 19, 2022

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN CAIRO

CAIRO, EGYPT - AUGUST 12, 2017
Thanks to President Francis J. Ricciardone for tour.

TURKEY'S MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS - MEVLÜT ÇAVUŞOĞLU

WELCOMING TO GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY - MARCH 29, 2016
With GW President Knapp

TURKEY’S NEW CONSTITUTION: RULES REQUIRE RIGHTS

FINANCIAL TIMES - JANUARY 21, 2016

MANAGING THE REPUTATION OF INSTITUTIONS

SPEECH AT BOGAZICI UNIVERSITY, ISTANBUL, TURKEY - DECEMBER 3, 2015

THE PROMISE AND PERIL OF FALLING OIL PRICES

FOREIGN POLICY OP ED - DECEMBER 5, 2014

H.E.SHEIKHA LUBNA BINT KHALID BIN SULTAN AL QASIMI, UAE'S MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

MEETING IN ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - MAY 7, 2014
The Sheikha also served as President of Zayed University. Discussed possible collaborations with George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management.

ESTABLISHING CONNECTIONS FOR COURSE IN SOUTH AFRICA

Travels to Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town - Week of MAY 4, 2014
Other professors led George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management students on global immersion programs in South Africa based on the syllabus I established.

LECTURE ON BUSINESS ETHICS IN DOHA, QATAR

HEC BUSINESS SCHOOL - MARCH 8, 2011