American University of Beirut New York Office

The Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs at the American University of Beirut is a policy-oriented research institute that aims to raise the quality of public debate in the Arab world and abroad. This award renews a project analyzing the implications of national plans for the expansion of nuclear energy in the Middle East. It is designed to increase awareness of the security consequences of these plans and bolster nonproliferation in the region.

The Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs at the American University of Beirut is a research-based, policy-oriented institute that aims to develop and initiate policy-relevant research. The project conducts cross-country analyses to assess uncertainties about the Middle East’s nuclear energy capacities and develop projections of nuclear capacity for the next 10-15 years (the time during which most of the restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program expire). This forms a basis for understanding the regional security implications and opportunities for cooperation as an alternative to competition. The research activities build on data gathered from interviews with policy makers in Iran, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The award supports the objective of reconceptualizing the governance of nuclear power by providing a realistic assessment of the future of this technology in the Middle East and its implications for security.

To support a program on conflict analysis and resolution (over two years).

To support medical programs (over three years).