Effective Discourse intern

Nitin Mathew

Nitin Mathew is currently a student at Calabasas High School in Calabasas, California. A fellow in the 2025 Fall Institute for Youth In Policy cohort, he now serves as an intern in the Effective Discourse department. He is deeply passionate about ensuring both public knowledge of and interest in policy and constructing positive and productive dialogue around policy.

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The Middle East Lobby: How International Cash Affects American Policy

Capstone Project

This brief examines the notable influence of Middle East lobbying on American policy and its resulting effects on trust in government domestically and international stability. It traces the evolution of foreign lobbying since World War II and highlights how financial contributions and relationships have bypassed existing legislation, the Lobbying Disclosure Act and Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) in particular. The paper emphasizes the need for nonpartisan reform and change to limit biased decision-making. Proposed solutions include institutional FARA reform, stronger enforcement through the Department of Justice, and the closure of the “revolving door” between Congress and lobbying firms. Ultimately, the brief advocates for greater transparency and accountability to ensure more objective policymaking and to promote peace, economic growth, and civic trust both in the Middle East and within the United States.

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