The Applied History Initiative (AHI) is a response to the need to inform Middle East policy with deep historical insight. The AHI serves as a hub for historically-minded research into the Middle East’s most pressing diplomatic and strategic issues. Its work is to encourage historians to apply their work to Middle East policy, and to support policymakers with historical insight as they approach the region’s key issues. 

Established in September 2022, the AHI produces and supports research on all areas of Middle East policy; hosts public and closed events discussing Middle Eastern affairs in historical context; works with policymakers around the world to assist analysis and decision-making; and encourages students and scholars of history to contribute their insights to current affairs. The AHI also works with a growing international network of academic and non-profit institutions that seek to apply historical insight to public policy.