Episode 269: Middle East in Transition: Non-State Actors, Trump’s Policy Shift, and Regional Stability with Shayan Talabany

In this episode Dominic Bowen speaks with Shayan Talabany, Senior Analyst and Advisor at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, about shifting U.S. strategies in the Middle East and what they mean for governance, security, and economic opportunity across the region. They explore how the U.S. retreat from interventionism is reshaping regional power balances, whether self-reliance can bring stability, and how countries like Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon are navigating enormous economic and political pressures.

Listeners will learn about the risks posed by fragile social contracts and youth unemployment, the uncertain futures of nationalism and populism in the region, how Gaza is influencing both leadership and public opinion in Arab capitals, and the opportunities for businesses as regional governments seek deeper economic integration. Shayan also shares her on-the-ground experiences traveling through Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, providing rare insights into the realities citizens face and the optimism that still exists despite immense challenges

Shayan Talabany is a Senior Analyst and Advisor at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, where she focuses on regional politics, security, and conflict dynamics across the Middle East, with particular expertise on Iraq and Syria. She holds degrees from SOAS, University of London, and the London School of Economics, and also serves as a faculty member with the Aspen Institute in the UK. At the Tony Blair Institute, she leads projects on governance reform, regional integration, and youth engagement, and she has traveled extensively across the Middle East conducting research and advising policymakers.

Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe’s leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe’s leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe's business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today’s business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage.

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