Research

My research focuses on research focuses on state alignment strategies, particularly how Middle Eastern and North African countries navigate the U.S.-China competition. In my research, I use a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods.

INTERESTS

Great Power Competition, Foreign Policy, Alliances, Strategic Partnerships, External Influence, Trade Dependence, and Military Sales.

Peer-Reviewed Publications

 

Other Publications

 

  • Abu-Haltam, Dana, 2026, “Foreign Policy and Economics: How Arab Public Opinion Correlates with Global Leaders’ Actions.” Arab Barometer.

R&R and Under Review

  • “Tri-Alignment: Bahrain’s Survival Strategy Amid an Era of Global Power Shifts” Under Review
  • Bridging Divides: Insights from US Mediation in the Lebanese-Israeli Delimitation Crisis for Future Engagements Between Greece and Turkey.” (With Krista Wiegand) Under Review
  • “Why Sanction and Simultaneously Provide Foreign Aid?” (With Wonjae Hwang and Tianjing Liao) Under Review
  • “BRICS in the Maghreb” (With Ahmet Ergurum)

Working Papers

  • “Beyond Survival: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Policy Toward U.S. – China Competition”
    ◊ Winner, 2025 Gulf Studies Graduate Paper Award, Gulf Studies Symposium, Gulf International Forum, Georgetown University, 2025.
  • “How Do Middle Powers Navigate Great Power AI and Technological Rivalries?” (With Lawrence Rubin and Ahmet Ergurum)
  • “Mediation as Strategy: Comparing Saudi and Chinese Roles in Regional Conflict Resolution” (With Tingyi Wang and Rufei Li)
  • “The UAE’s AI Strategy amid Intensifying U.S.–China Technological Competition”