December 1, 2025 – Center East & North Africa – Washington, D.C. – The Stimson Middle is pleased to announce Randa Slim’s appointment to launch and lead the Center’s new Middle East Program.
Slim brings more than two decades of experience advancing conflict resolution, Track II dialogues, and strategic analysis across the region. A long-term practitioner of peacebuilding and dialogue facilitation efforts in the Middle East and Central Asia, she joins Stimson most recently from the Wilson Middle, where served as project director of the Middle East Track II Dialogues initiative. Prior to that, she was Senior Fellow and Director of the Conflict Resolution and Track II Dialogues Program. She is also a nonresident senior fellow at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced and International Studies (SAIS) Foreign Policy Institute.
Under Slim’s leadership, the Stimson Middle launched its Track II Dialogues Initiative, expanding upon previous dialogue successes across the region. The initiative will introduce new structured Track II Dialogues in the Levant and the Gulf regions and will also publish commentaries and policy analyses examining the economic drivers, regional security dynamics, and evolving political realities shaping the region. The goal is to inform strategy and enable informed dialogue rooted in deep regional knowledge and inclusive perspectives.
“I am honored to lead Stimson’s Middle East Program at this critical moment for the region,” said Slim. “As global power dynamics shift and economic and security challenges evolve, it is essential that we bring together diverse perspectives to build pathways toward stability. At Stimson, we will not only examine the forces shaping the region but also help inform decision-making by policymakers and regional actors who are committed to peace, resilience, and long-term cooperation.”
“We’re excited to welcome Randa to Stimson as our program lead for the Middle East program,” said President and CEO Brian Finlay. “Randa brings a rare combination of deep expertise, trusted relationships, and a commitment to peacebuilding. Her leadership will strengthen Stimson’s ability to foster meaningful dialogues and deliver impactful analysis on the issues shaping the Center East today.”
About the Stimson Center
The Stimson Center promotes international security, shared prosperity, and justice through applied research and independent analysis, deep engagement, and policy innovation.
For three decades, Stimson has been a leading voice on urgent global issues. Founded in the twilight years of the Cold War, the Stimson Middle pioneered practical new steps toward stability and security in an uncertain world. Today, as changes in power and technology usher in a challenging new era, Stimson is at the forefront: Engaging new voices, generating innovative ideas and analysis, and building solutions to promote international security, prosperity, and justice.
Wanjohi Kabukuru (Kenya)
Most Impactful Work: His correspondent work for New African magazine and articles for Radio France International
(RFI) and Mail & Guardian.
Short Bio: Wanjohi Kabukuru is an experienced Kenyan journalist who serves as the Eastern African correspondent
for New African, a leading pan-African monthly magazine. He covers a wide range of topics, including politics, environment, and
security affairs across the continent.
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