Yusuf Can Joins Stimson Center as Research Associate

Yusuf Can has been appointed as a Research Associate with the North Africa Program at the Stimson Center. This role marks a significant addition to his career in international relations and regional studies, particularly concerning the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Prior to his tenure at the Stimson Center, Can served as an Analyst and Coordinator with the Middle East Program at the Wilson Center. In that capacity, he was instrumental in editing the program’s flagship publication, MENA360°, and spearheaded the Future of EURO-MENA Project. His responsibilities extended to organizing major events and discussions, as well as helping to launch innovative initiatives within the program.

Can’s expertise encompasses various aspects of MENA affairs, with a keen focus on Turkish politics, the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, and commercial diplomacy. His insights have been sought after by numerous media outlets, including the Guardian, BBC News, Business Insider, Politico, El Independiente, and Expresso. Through these contributions, Can provides expert analysis and commentary on pressing issues affecting the region.

In addition to his media contributions, Can’s scholarly work has appeared in respected publications, such as the Wilson Center, Stimson Center, and the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. His writings are characterized by thorough analysis and a commitment to uncovering the complexities of MENA dynamics.

Can holds a Master’s degree from Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and a Bachelor’s degree from Sacramento State University in California. Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, he brings a unique perspective shaped by his cultural and academic background.

As he embarks on this new role at the Stimson Center, Can is expected to further enrich the discourse around MENA affairs, leveraging his extensive experience and deep understanding of the region’s political landscape. His track record of engaging with key issues and initiatives positions him well to contribute significantly to the Stimson Center’s mission of providing informed analysis and fostering constructive dialogue.