Dr Karen E. Young

Dr Karen E. Young is a distinguished political economist with an unparalleled depth of expertise in the Gulf and broader MENA region. As a Senior Research Scholar at the Columbia University Center on Global Energy Policy, she is at the forefront of critical discussions on energy, finance, and security. Her career spans some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, including the Middle East Institute, where she was the Founding Director of the Program on Economics and Energy, and the American Enterprise Institute, where she served as a Senior Fellow. With a keen understanding of how economic and geopolitical factors intertwine, Dr Young provides valuable insights into the future of global markets, making her a sought-after voice in economic and energy-related discussions.

Beyond her research, Dr Young has an impressive academic background that enriches her speaking engagements. She has lectured on the international relations of the Middle East at George Washington University and regularly teaches at the US Department of State Foreign Service Institute, ensuring that diplomats and policymakers are well-equipped to navigate the region’s complexities. Her previous roles as Senior Resident Scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute and Research Fellow at the London School of Economics and Political Science, Middle East Centre, further reinforce her ability to dissect economic and security issues with precision. Additionally, her leadership in emerging markets seminars at Johns Hopkins SAIS demonstrates her capacity to break down intricate economic trends and make them accessible to diverse audiences.

Dr Young’s global perspective is enriched by her tenure as an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the American University of Sharjah, where she cultivated a deep understanding of the Gulf’s economic and political landscape from within the region. Her prior roles at New York University in research and administration highlight her ability to translate complex economic and financial data into actionable insights. As a result, she is a dynamic and engaging speaker who can bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world economic policy, making her an invaluable resource for businesses, policymakers, and thought leaders.

For organisations seeking a speaker who can provide authoritative analysis on the intersection of energy, finance, and security in the Gulf and MENA region, Dr Karen E. Young is an outstanding choice. Her extensive academic and policy experience, combined with her ability to communicate complex economic trends in an accessible manner, makes her an ideal speaker for conferences, corporate events, and policy forums. Whether discussing energy markets, geopolitical risks, or investment opportunities in emerging economies, Dr Young delivers compelling insights that can shape strategic decision-making at the highest levels.