Emile Hokayem is a leading geopolitical analyst and security expert specialising in Middle Eastern politics, conflict and international security. As Director of Regional Security and Senior Fellow for Middle East Security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Emile provides strategic analysis on conflicts, regional stability and geopolitical risk across the Middle East. Widely recognised for his expertise on regional security dynamics, Emile advises governments, global institutions and business leaders seeking to understand the political and military developments shaping the region. His research and commentary have established him as a respected voice on international security and Middle East affairs.
Emile began his academic journey studying economics and finance at Paris Dauphine University before pursuing postgraduate studies in international relations and Middle East security at Georgetown University. After completing his studies, he began his career in policy research and analysis, joining the Stimson Centre in 2004 as a research fellow focusing on Middle Eastern politics and regional security. During this time, Emile contributed to research on regional conflicts, diplomacy and international security while developing expertise in the political dynamics shaping the Middle East.
Alongside his policy research, Emile developed a strong reputation as a journalist and commentator. From 2004 to 2008, he served as a columnist for The National and later became the publication’s political editor, writing extensively on regional politics and international affairs. His commentary has appeared in leading global publications, including The New York Times, the Financial Times, The Economist, Foreign Policy and The Wall Street Journal, and he has provided analysis on international broadcasters such as the BBC and NPR. In 2010, Emile joined the International Institute for Strategic Studies as Senior Fellow for Middle East Security, initially based at the organisation’s Middle East office in Bahrain before later moving to its London headquarters.
Since joining the IISS, Emile has become one of the institute’s leading experts on regional security and geopolitical risk. His research has focused on conflicts across the Middle East and the evolving strategic balance of the region. In 2023, he was appointed Director of Regional Security, where he oversees research into geopolitical developments and security trends across multiple regions. Drawing on his experience in policy research, journalism and geopolitical analysis, Emile is frequently invited to speak on Middle Eastern politics, international security and global geopolitical risk.
- 2023 – Appointed Director of Regional Security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
- 2010 – Joined the International Institute for Strategic Studies as Senior Fellow for Middle East Security.
- 2010 – Conducted research and policy analysis on Middle Eastern conflicts and regional security while based in Bahrain and later London.
- 2008 – Became Political Editor at The National.
- 2004 – Joined the Stimson Center as Research Fellow specialising in Middle East policy and security.
- 2004 – Served as a columnist for The National covering regional politics and international affairs.
- 2002 – Completed a Master’s degree in International Relations and Middle East Security at Georgetown University.
- 1997 – Graduated in Economics and Finance from Paris Dauphine University.
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