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.  

Most Recent

International Criminal Court

The Role of the ICC
The International Criminal Court was created to bring justice to the world’s worst war criminals, but debate over the court still rages.

Backgrounder by Claire Klobucista and Mariel Ferragamo May 22, 2024

China

Religion in China
A significant proportion of China’s population claims to follow a religion. However, the government continues to toughen oversight, increase persecution of some religions, and attempt to co-opt state-sanctioned religious organizations.

Backgrounder by CFR.org Editors May 15, 2024

Japan

The U.S.-Japan Alliance
The alliance with Japan has been the cornerstone of U.S. security policy in East Asia for decades. Now, Japan’s role in global security is growing as challenges from China and North Korea mount.  

Backgrounder by CFR.org Editors May 3, 2024

Top Stories on CFR

India

Modi’s Historic, Sobering Elections and His Economic Challenge
The third term win for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was an unsurprising result, but the loss of Parliament seats means his party will need to work with a fragile coalition government to enact polices effectively.

Blog Post by Manjari Chatterjee Miller June 5, 2024 Asia Unbound

United States

Seeking Protection: How the U.S. Asylum Process Works
Record numbers of migrants seeking to cross the southern U.S. border are challenging the Joe Biden administration’s attempts to restore asylum protections. Here’s how the asylum process works.

Backgrounder by Diana Roy June 4, 2024 Renewing America

U.S. Foreign Policy

Washington’s Ill-Fated Mideast Ambitions
U.S. administrations have backed sweeping efforts for societal change in the Middle East in recent decades, with poor results. But Washington can still achieve more modest, essential goals in the region.*

Expert Brief by Steven A. Cook May 31, 2024 Middle East Program