U.S. Relations with the Islamic World

About the Project

The Project on U.S. Relations with the Islamic World, housed within the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings, conducts public policy research and convenes briefings, panel discussion, and major international conferences focusing on the critical issues facing the United States and the Muslim world.

The project seeks to engage and inform policymakers, practitioners, and the broader public on developments in Muslim countries and communities and on the nature of their relationship with the United States. Together with the affiliated Brookings Doha Center in Qatar, it sponsors a range of events, research projects, and publications designed to educate, encourage frank dialogue, and build positive partnerships between the United States and the Muslim world.

PROVEN IMPACT

As the largest, most widely cited think tank in the U.S., Brookings has had major impact on policymaking for nearly a century. The Project on U.S. Relations with the Islamic World’s own impact activities include:

  • Events with leading public and private officials
  • Policy-relevant research
  • Briefings with policymakers
  • Frequent media commentary and analysis

PROJECT COMPONENTS

  • The annual U.S.-Islamic World Forum, which brings together key leaders in the fields of politics, business, media, academia, and civil society from across the Muslim world and the United States for much-needed discussion and dialogue. The 2010 Forum included a video message from President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hilary Clinton spoke at both the 2010 and 2011 forums.
  • Visiting Fellows Program, for scholars and journalists from the Muslim world
  • Brookings Analysis Papers and Monographs
  • The Religious Leaders Initiative, which brings together key faith leaders to discuss how people of different beliefs can best work to build tolerance and understanding
  • The Arts and Culture Initiative, which seeks to develop a better awareness of how arts and culture can increase understanding between the United States and the global Muslim community
  • The Science and Technology Policy Initiative, which looks at the role of cooperative science and technology initiatives in responding to regional development and education needs
  • Brookings Institution Press Book Series, which aims to synthesize the project’s findings for public dissemination.

The underlying goal of the project is to continue the Brookings Institution’s original mandate to serve as a bridge between scholarship and public policy. It seeks to bring new knowledge to the attention of decision-makers and opinion-leaders, as well as afford scholars, analysts, and the public a better insight into policy issues.

The project conveners are Martin Indyk, Tamara Cofman Wittes, Shibley Telhami, and Bruce Riedel. Salman Shaikh is the director of the Brookings Doha Center.