May 14, 2026
How is competition for
influence in the Horn of Africa among Middle Eastern powers —
especially the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Israel — reshaping
the political landscape? Hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj
are joined by MEI Senior Fellows Mirette Mabrouk and Gönül Tol to
unpack the dynamics driving this rivalry and its implications for
conflicts and alliances across the region.
In the first half of the episode, Mabrouk explores the impact
of Israel’s December 2025 recognition of Somaliland, the emergence
of two competing regional blocs, and what these developments mean
for Egypt’s security and strategic interests. In the second half,
Tol shares key takeaways on middle power competition in the Horn of
Africa from a recent trip to Kenya, reflects on local views of this
phenomenon, and examines Turkey’s strategy as it seeks to expand
its influence in Somalia and beyond.
Recorded on May 13, 2026.