Washington, DC, June 2, 2025 — The Middle East Institute (MEI) is delighted to welcome Natan Sachs as a Senior Fellow, starting September 2.
Dr. Sachs is a leading expert on Israeli foreign policy and domestic politics, and US-Middle East policy, especially toward Israel. He previously served as Director of the Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution for eight years and as a Senior Fellow in its Foreign Policy Program, of which he was a member since 2012. He has taught at Georgetown University’s Department of Government and served as a Fulbright fellow in Indonesia. Sachs holds a PhD in Political Science from Stanford University and a BA from Hebrew University, and his work has been widely published in both scholarly and policy outlets.
"Dr. Sachs’s insight into Israeli policy and society, as well as his broader regional perspective will greatly strengthen MEI's contributions to public discourse and policy development," said MEI President Stu Jones. "His addition is an important step forward as we continue building a diverse and expert bench of regional scholars."
Kenneth Pollack, Vice President for Policy, stated, "Natan brings a rare combination of scholarly depth and constructive policy engagement. His work will advance our mission of offering high-impact analysis to US and regional decision-makers alike."
Founded in 1946, the Middle East Institute (MEI) is America’s leading nonpartisan policy and cultural institute focused on the Middle East. Based in Washington, DC, and working at the intersection of policy, education, and culture, MEI is the leading convener of Middle East experts and officials, fostering dialogue between diverse stakeholders. Its experts provide cutting-edge analysis of a complex region, while its Arts and Culture Center promotes understanding and cultural diplomacy through the universal language of the arts. MEI’s Policy Center boasts a roster of leading regional experts, including former diplomats and US defense and security officials who provide decision makers with trusted analysis of the region’s challenges and identify opportunities to advance US national interests.