Ezra Hess

CFR Staff

Ezra Hess

Research Associate, Middle Eastern Studies

Ezra Hess is a research associate for Middle Eastern studies at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). Before joining CFR, he was a program associate at the National Coalition Supporting Eurasian Jewry. He holds a bachelor's degree in liberal studies from Indiana University – Bloomington, where he also triple-minored in history, international studies, and political science.

RealEcon

Protecting U.S. Allies and Partners from Chinese Economic Coercion

China’s growing willingness to defy the international order, and its increasingly aggressive leadership, have led it to increasingly utilize economic coercion against countries it believes have defied China’s interests. This coercion can be powerful, and the United States and its partners have not been well-prepared for Beijing’s actions. The U.S. and others need to develop a response immediately.

by Elliott Abrams, Ezra Hess and Joshua Kurlantzick December 2, 2024 RealEcon
Israel

What Israel’s Political Landscape Says About the Course of the War in Gaza

Amid the many uncertainties surrounding Israel’s endgame in Gaza, views among the public and leading officials indicate that Israel is preparing for a protracted war despite growing calls to accept a cease-fire.

by Ezra Hess May 15, 2024
Ezra Hess

Middle East Program

Netanyahu’s ‘permanent conflict’ strategy risks igniting a wider West Asian war

Featuring Ezra Hess via The Hindu Frontline September 27, 2024

Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s Freedoms: What China Promised and How It’s Cracking Down

Beijing has tightened its grip on Hong Kong in recent years, dimming hopes that the financial center will ever become a full democracy.

by Lindsay Maizland and Clara Fong December 15, 2025

United States

How Does Immigration Affect the U.S. Economy?

Immigrants have long played a critical role in the U.S. economy, filling labor gaps, driving innovation, and exercising consumer spending power. But political debate over their economic contributions has ramped up under the second Trump administration.

by Diana Roy December 4, 2025

G20 (Group of Twenty)

What Does the G20 Do?

The Group of Twenty, an informal gathering of many of the world’s largest economies, is the premier global forum for discussing international economic issues. Its 2025 summit marks the first time the forum is hosted in Africa, but questions loom about the group’s continued relevance.

by CFR Editors November 18, 2025

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