Center for Middle Eastern Studies

The Center for Middle Eastern Studies (CMES) is a unique public platform created for those interested in the political, socio-economic, historical, cultural, and humanitarian processes in the countries of the Greater Middle East.

The primary mission

CMES Governing Council

Murad Sadygzade

President and Founder of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies (CMES), Expert at the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) and the Valdai Discussion Club, an international relations specialist with expertise in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Мурад Садыгзаде

СMES Expert Council

Head

Grigory Lukyanov

News

  • The competition for the "Center for Middle Eastern Studies" has started!

    Contest

    Center for Middle East Studies fellowship

    Новостная картинка
  • Members of the CMES as part of the implementation of the Middle East-Europe program, took part in the work of the forum "Languages ​​and Cultures: Historical Experience and Development Prospects", which was held on November 14, 2024, at the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba. The speakers, representatives of European countries, delivered their reports in Arabic

    The Middle East - Europe Program

    Forum "Languages ​​and Cultures: Historical Experience and Development Prospects"

    Новостная картинка
  • This week, at the invitation of the Russian Middle Eastern Society, we took part in the opening of Aisha Gaddafi's personal exhibition "Daughter of Libya" at the State Museum of the East

    Aisha Gaddafi's solo exhibition "Daughter of Libya"

    Новостная картинка

Our projects

  • Special projects

    Middle East — Europe

    Head: Yaroslav Berestov, First Vice President of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, Head of the Special Program "Middle East - Europe"

    The special program "Middle East - Europe" within the framework of the Center for Middle East Studies is aimed at a comprehensive study of the historical, political, economic and cultural interactions of the countries of the Middle East with European states. The main purpose of the program is to analyze the established and developing relations between regions throughout history, as well as to assess current trends and challenges in these relations.

    Проект
  • Special projects

    Embassy meetings

    Head: Anna Pimenova, Member of the Board of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies

    The special program "Embassy Meetings" is an exclusive project aimed at training and developing skills of interaction with diplomatic representatives of Russia and the countries of the Greater Middle East. The main purpose of the program is to prepare participants for effective work in an international environment, study diplomatic protocol, improve communication skills in foreign languages and deepen understanding of the peculiarities of the diplomatic service.

  • Special projects

    Kurdology

    Head: Sarah Shackle, Member of the Board of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies

    The special program "Kurdology" within the framework of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies is devoted to the comprehensive study of the Kurdish people, their history, culture, politics and socio-economic development. The main purpose of the program is to explore the role of the Kurds in the modern world, their political movements, cultural heritage and relations with neighboring peoples and states throughout history and at the present time.

  • International projects

    Our international projects are aimed at establishing a long-term dialogue with organizations from the countries of the Greater Middle East. We are implementing partnership initiatives that contribute to the development of bilateral cooperation, promote a positive image of Russia and strengthen mutual understanding on topical issues of world politics and economics.

    Проект
  • Expert advice

    The Center for Middle Eastern Studies (CMES) provides highly qualified consulting services on key issues related to politics, economics, culture and the social sphere of the countries of the Greater Middle East. We help government agencies, businesses and public organizations make informed decisions based on a deep understanding of regional specifics and develop successful interaction strategies.

  • Educational and educational initiatives

    We organize lectures, seminars, round tables, concerts, interviews and other events aimed at deepening knowledge about the Greater Middle East among the Russian audience, as well as spreading knowledge about Russia among the public of the countries of the region. These events create a unique platform for cultural and educational exchange.

Articles

18 November 2024

Destructive US hegemony in the Middle East is the reason for the insolubility of the Middle East conflict

Irina Desyatnikova, Expert at CMES. The United States has repeatedly demonstrated that its ambitions go far beyond carefully calculating the consequences of its actions. In the early 21st century, tragic events such as the invasion of Afghanistan and the military intervention in Iraq occurred. Many scholars have analyzed the consequences of these decisions, but the most prominent among them is John Joseph Mearsheimer, an outstanding American scholar in the field of international relations, best known for his offensive realism approach in international relations theory. Mearsheimer has repeatedly criticized the ill-considered foreign policy steps taken by the United States. On November 4, 2024, the scholar gave an interview to Al-Jazeera, addressing pressing global political issues such as the war in Gaza, Ukraine, and Lebanon, and how world and regional powers support and arm the warring sides.

Read more

16 December 2024

Overview of Iran-Germany Relations: Reasons for Recent Tensions

Seyedi Asl Seyedmohammad, Expert at CMES. Since the Islamic Revolution in Iran, relations between Iran and Germany have largely developed in a stable and favorable atmosphere, particularly in areas such as economics, culture, and scientific exchange, while political interaction remained less significant. Despite periodic ups and downs, Iran's special role in Germany's Middle Eastern policy has always been explained by three key factors: economic interests, geopolitical positioning, and cultural interaction.

Read more

16 December 2024

Călin Georgescu and the Presidential Elections in Romania: A Historical Turning Point

Elena Marginianu, expert at CMES. The 2024 presidential elections in Romania proved to be a true test for the country's political system and a signal to global players of potential changes. Independent candidate Călin Georgescu, unexpectedly securing first place in the first round, challenged traditional views on political competition. His rival, Elena Lascu, represents the party system, which, despite being recently in the minority, managed to mobilize its resources to reach the second round. This confrontation became a symbol of the deep polarization within Romanian society.

Read more

23 January 2025

Strategic Prospects of Trump's Policy in the Middle East: Alliances, Challenges, and Risks of Global Destabilization

Arina Lugovskaya, Expert at CMES. Donald Trump won the 2024 U.S. presidential election, and one of the first leaders to congratulate him on this victory was Israel’s representatives. This event is significant as it symbolizes the continuation and deepening of the close strategic ties between the U.S. and Israel, which were established during his previous term. Despite the eccentricity of his rhetoric and unexpected moves in international politics, Trump has proven himself to be a reliable ally of Israel. In the context of global political changes and instability in the Middle East, U.S. support, especially in the form of Trump, has become an important factor ensuring stability and security for Israel.

Read more
Go to blog