Saudi Arabia and UAE fund Washington think tanks to shape U.S. policy narrative

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates use financial patronage of Washington think tanks, academic programs, and advocacy groups to shape U.S. policy narratives. Contributions from Gulf states or their state-controlled entities flow into influential U.S. institutions, potentially curbing criticism of these governments' policies. The influence campaign secures U.S. tolerance of policies antithetical to human rights and democracy in the Middle East, including continuing military aid in Yemen and arms sales without human-rights conditions. The patronage represents a less direct but highly impactful strategy to influence American foreign policy.