America’s Frontline Source on Middle East, Sahel, and African Dynamics
Our lens on the shifting tides across the Middle East, Sahel, and Africa as of March 2025—insights into the trends driving U.S. stakes in these regions.
Global supply chains are rerouting through emerging African ports and Middle Eastern hubs, spurred by a 10% surge in intra-regional trade since 2023. This shift challenges U.S. dominance in maritime logistics, as new economic blocs prioritize local partnerships over Western-led frameworks.
Escalating resource conflicts and a 30% rise in displacement since 2022 have turned the Sahel into a testing ground for hybrid warfare. Foreign influence—via drones and mercenaries—further erodes local governance, complicating U.S. efforts to maintain security footholds.
Competing visions for regional hegemony among Gulf powers have intensified, with military spending up 15% in 2024 alone. These rivalries fuel proxy conflicts and arms races, forcing U.S. policymakers to navigate a web of shifting alliances and economic leverage.
A boom in mobile penetration (80% region-wide by 2025) and satellite networks is reshaping communication and commerce. Yet, this digital leap also amplifies cyber threats and disinformation campaigns, posing new risks to U.S. diplomatic and economic interests.