Strategic Competition > Global Engagement
Partnering with the Middle East and Africa
The Middle East and Africa are increasingly strategic—not peripheral—to U.S. interests
To lead globally, the U.S. must engage deeply—with respect, consistency, and shared purpose.
Mark Kennedy has traveled widely in the Middle East and Africa. Number of and most recent visits: Bahrain 1x 2024, Egypt 1x 2017, Iraq 3x 2005, Israel 2x 2004, Jordan 2x 2009, Kuwait 1x 2003, Lebanon 1x 2004, Palestian Territory 1x 2004, Qatar 2x 2024, South Africa 1x 2014, Syria 1x 2004, Turkey (also included with Europe) 16x 2017, UAE 4x 2014
🔹 Strategic Context
- This page is part of WISC’s Strategic Competition framework, applying geoeconomic statecraft through the STEAD model — integrating Security, Technology, Economics, Alliances, and Diplomacy — to secure U.S. leadership across critical domains.
Why Partnering with the Middle East and Africa Matters
The Middle East and Africa are pivotal arenas in the global competition for influence, stability, and innovation. While security challenges remain, these regions are also home to some of the fastest-growing populations, emerging technology ecosystems, and critical energy and infrastructure opportunities. America must move beyond transactional diplomacy and demonstrate enduring commitment through economic investment, educational exchange, and strategic cooperation.
Strategic Priorities for the Middle East and Africa
- Expand Israel normalization, innovation cooperation, and regional integration.
- Broaden Gulf engagement into clean tech, digital economy, and education.
- Support economic resilience and governance in Egypt, Iraq, and the Levant.
- Build long-term, values-based partnerships across Africa through infrastructure, trade, digital, and health collaboration.
Insights & Engagements
🏛️ Engaging Administration or Congress, 📰 Op-Ed / Article / Quoted 🎙️ Podcast ✍️ Policy Brief 👥 Roundtable / Event 🎤 Speaking 🎥 TV/Video 🌐 Global
Israel: Innovation Ally and Regional Integrator
Israel is America’s closest partner in the Middle East—anchored in shared democratic values, cutting-edge technology, and deep security cooperation. From cybersecurity to water management to artificial intelligence, Israeli innovation offers strategic leverage. Through the Abraham Accords, Israel is also reshaping the region’s diplomatic landscape. U.S. support for normalization, economic corridors, and inclusive security frameworks can turn new relationships into lasting regional integration.
With Israel, America has a partner in shaping both the future and the region.
- Mark Kennedy visited Israel on two separate occasions in 2024 meeting with the prime minister and senior officals on both trips.
Kennedy meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon as part of a Congressional delegation in 2004.
Gulf Partnerships: From Energy Security to Innovation
Long anchored in energy and security cooperation, U.S. partnerships in the Gulf must now expand to include renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and educational collaboration. Countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are investing in AI, green hydrogen, and smart cities. American institutions and firms can be partners of choice—if engagement is sustained and strategic.
The future of Gulf engagement lies in shared innovation, not just shared security.
- Mark Kennedy has visited Bahrain in 2024, Kuwait in 2003, Qatar in 2011 and 2024, and UAE four times, most recently in 2014.
Kennedy meeting with Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi in Abu Dhabi in 2014.
Egypt, Iraq, and the Levant: Stabilizing and Modernizing Together
In Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon, the U.S. can support economic resilience, civil society, and digital transformation. Iraq, while facing distinct post-conflict challenges, is a vital partner for long-term regional stability. Continued U.S. engagement can help Iraq strengthen democratic governance, rebuild infrastructure, and reintegrate economically with its neighbors. Development finance, energy cooperation, and anti-corruption initiatives are key levers.
Partnership must go beyond aid—toward empowerment.
- Mark Kennedy visited Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and the Palestinian territories as part of a Congressional delegation visit in 2004 meeting with either the nation's president or a senior official. Kennedy made separates trip to Jordan in 2009, to Iraq in 2003 and 2005, and visited Egypt in 2017
- 👥 Attended roundtable discussion with Iraq's Ambassador Nazar Al Khirullah at the Wilson Center - March 4, 2025
- 👥 Visited American University in Cairo as guest of President Francis J. Ricciardone and other universities in the area - Cairo, Egypt - August 12, 2017
Africa: Partnering with a Rising Continent
Africa is the youngest continent and will shape the future of global labor, consumption, and innovation. China, Russia, and Gulf states are active—but U.S. partnerships are trusted when visible and values-based. Engaging African nations through trade, investment, infrastructure, digital development, and health partnerships is both a moral and strategic imperative.
The U.S. must show up—with humility, commitment, and concrete results.
- Mark Kennedy visited South Africa in 2014
- 👥 Roundtable with Nigerian Think Tank - Wilson Center Event with National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) - November 8, 2023
Kennedy meeting with Parks Tau in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2014 when he served as Mayor.
👉 Related Pages
🔷 Featured Insights
Roundtable: Mediating Disputes in Age of Strategic Competition - Global Security Forum - Doha, Qatar - May 20, 2024
Kennedy lecturing to EMBA Students at HEC Paris in Doha, Qatar - March 8, 2011.
Kennedy established connections in South Africa during travels to Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town in 2014, laying the groundwork for future George Washington University GSPM global immersion programs led by other faculty using the syllabus he developed, supported by a donation he raised.
Kennedy visited the American University in Cairo as guest of President Francis J. Ricciardone in 2017.