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

Iran

The Islamic Republic’s Power Centers

Who calls the shots in Iran on economic policy, security, and domestic calls for reform? A look at the government’s organization chart indicates how complicated the answer is.

by CFR Editors January 9, 2026

Climate Change

Paris to Kyoto: The History of UN Climate Agreements

International efforts, such as the Paris Agreement, aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But experts say countries aren’t doing enough to limit dangerous global warming.

by Lindsay Maizland and Clara Fong January 9, 2026 Renewing America

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

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