Intellectual Independence and Donor Policies

The Middle East Institute (MEI) is a private, non-profit, nonpartisan institution working to increase knowledge of the Middle East among citizens of the United States and to promote a better understanding of the people of these two areas. MEI is not affiliated or aligned with any domestic or foreign political party, institution, or government. The Institute aims to contribute to crafting better policy to the benefit of the people of the Middle East and the United States, and in the general interest of peace, human security, prosperity, and improved governance. MEI’s intellectual independence and the integrity of its research and recommendations are central to this mission. 

MEI maintains strict intellectual independence in all of its projects and publications. All work produced or published by MEI represents solely the opinions and views of its scholars. MEI as an organization does not adopt or advocate positions on particular issues. Instead, it serves as a convener and forum for discussion and debate, and it regularly publishes and presents a variety of views.  

MEI and its staff and scholars generate their own ideas and programming, consistent with the Institute’s mission. Scholars retain complete research independence. MEI’s policies safeguard this independence and do not allow for outside parties or donors to influence their research or policy recommendations. 

MEI accepts funding only from donors who value its expertise and accept its independence. It maintains complete control of the content and conclusions of all products resulting from sponsored projects. MEI also discloses all sources of financial support in its annual reports and on an annual list of donors posted to its website to ensure transparency. 

The Middle East Institute (MEI) is a private, non-profit, nonpartisan institution working to increase knowledge of the Middle East among citizens of the United States and to promote a better understanding of the people of these two areas. MEI is not affiliated or aligned with any domestic or foreign political party, institution, or government.   

The Institute aims to contribute to crafting better policy to the benefit of the people of the Middle East and the United States, and in the general interest of peace, human security, prosperity, and improved governance. MEI is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in all of its activities and promotes transparency and intellectual independence as central to its mission. 

In accordance with this objective, MEI has adopted the below policy to avoid and mitigate Conflicts of Interest or the appearance of Conflicts of Interest. This Policy applies to all MEI personnel, including resident and non-resident scholars as well as general staff.

 

Definition 

A conflict of interest arises when a person has an actual or potential interest or outside activity that impairs or might appear to impair his or her independence or objectivity in the discharge of his or her responsibilities and duties to the Middle East Institute or when representing the Institute. (‘Representation’ includes display of one’s affiliation to the Institute, even when speaking on one’s own behalf). 

Examples of outside activities that may create conflicts of interest include: 

• Lobbying or advocacy: Engaging in activities that promote the interests of a particular individual, organization, or foreign government. 

• Business activities: Holding positions in businesses or engaging in entrepreneurial activities that could potentially influence your work. 

• Speaking engagements or consulting: Giving speeches or consulting for companies, organizations, or foreign governments that could be perceived as compromising your independence and impartiality. 

• Financial interests: Holding financial interests in foreign companies or investments that could influence your decision-making or create conflicts of interest. 

• Personal relationships: Having personal relationships with individuals who may have business or financial interests that could influence your work. 

Personnel should err on the side of caution and make full disclosure of any situation that might impair or appear to impair their independence or objectivity.  If they have questions regarding compliance with this Policy in specific circumstances, they should contact their supervisor and/or the President.

 

Disclosure 

MEI personnel are required to disclose any and all outside activities that could pose potential conflicts of interest at the time they are hired or become affiliated with the Institute and on an annual basis afterwards. 

The Middle East Institute reserves the right to publicly disclose relevant Outside Activities of Personnel in case a conflict of interest is discovered.

 

Prohibitions 

Foreign Agents Registration Act compliance 

MEI personnel are prohibited from activities that would require them to register as a foreign agent under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). This includes engaging in any political or lobbying activity on behalf of or at the direction of a foreign government.

 

Truth in Testimony 

Personnel who cite their affiliation to MEI when they provide expert testimony to Congress are required to declare that their statements represent their own views and opinions, and do not represent a position of the Institute, which does not take positions on policy issues. Additionally, they must disclose any MEI grants that may be directly or indirectly related to their testimony in the interest of transparency. 

 

Enforcement 

If the Institute’s management has reasonable cause to believe that MEI personnel has failed to disclose an actual or possible Interest or otherwise violated this Policy, it shall inform the Personnel of the basis for such belief and afford the person an opportunity to explain the alleged failure or violation. Management may then decide whether further investigation is warranted.  

If Management determines that the Personnel has failed to disclose an actual or possible Interest or otherwise violated this Policy, it shall take appropriate disciplinary and corrective actions including but not limited to retroactive public disclosures, reducing compensation or termination.

Middle East Institute Gift Acceptance Policy

At the Middle East Institute (MEI), we are dedicated to maintaining our intellectual independence, scholarly integrity, and transparency in everything we do. We raise funds from individuals, corporations, foundations, and governments to support our work, and we greatly value the support of our donors. It is important to us that our research, programming, and publications remain free from outside influence, ensuring that we can continue our mission with full autonomy. 

  

Intellectual Independence

Our team, including staff, fellows, and board members, creates ideas and programming that aligns with MEI’s mission and our collective expertise. MEI does not take institutional positions on specific policy issues, and all of our publications reflect the views of the individual authors rather than MEI as a whole.   

Donors to MEI must agree to respect the Institute’s exclusive authority over the content and conclusions of any work we produce. To keep things transparent, we publish an annual list of donors and disclose funding sources on our website. 

  

Government and Foreign Funding

We are open to support from both U.S. and foreign governments as long as it does not come with conditions that could impact MEI’s independence in research, programming, or any of our work. We also welcome fellows or contributors who may be salaried by U.S. or foreign governments, provided that MEI retains full editorial and programmatic control. Foreign funders are required to acknowledge and agree to MEI’s intellectual independence principles, including its policy that bars the institution or its personnel from engaging in activities that would require registration under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). 

  

Conflict of Interest and Disclosures

MEI requires all staff, scholars, and non-resident scholars to abide by its conflict of interest policies. These policies provide guidelines for disclosing, addressing, and resolving any real or potential conflicts of interest. 

  

Donor Review Process

Every contribution we receive goes through a careful internal review process. We evaluate each gift to make sure it aligns with MEI’s mission, poses no potential reputational or legal risks, and upholds our values. We reserve the right to decline any contribution that does not meet these guidelines. 

  

Designated and Restricted Support

We accept restricted gifts that are earmarked for specific programs or initiatives, but it is important to us that donors understand these gifts do not affect the intellectual direction or conclusions of the work. Donors will receive updates on the impact of their contributions, but MEI remains in charge of all programming, content, and deliverables. 

We deeply appreciate the generous support of donors who share our commitment to integrity, independence, and public understanding.