Middle East & North Africa
Experts for international foreign and security policy
The Middle East and North Africa are key drivers of global security, marked by complex conflicts, shifting alliances, and major energy concerns. Our working group provides expert analysis on issues such as terrorism, regional diplomacy, arms control, and the broader impact of global powers vying for influence in the region.
The Arab League: Different Responses Towards Gaza
Navigating Between Bold Rhetoric and Insufficient Solutions of The Arab League
This brief analyzes the Arab League's multifaceted reaction to the Gaza conflict, considering various potential outcomes.
Saskia
Foulon
Junior Research Fellow
January
Report of the 23rd Berlin Security Conference – Challenges of the Middle Eastern Conflict for European Security
Challenges of the Middle Eastern Conflict for European Security
How does the Middle East crisis impact European security? The conflict exacerbates societal tensions, strains migration systems, adds disinformation and polarization and strengthens Iran-Russia ties. A coordinated EU approach is crucial to address these challenges, balancing humanitarian aid, social cohesion, and geopolitical resilience.
Neele Henry
Seifert
Junior Research Fellow
December
Hezbollah - Why a Ground Offensive Against Lebanon’s Shadow Rulers is a Risky Undertaking
Why a Ground Offensive Against Lebanon’s Shadow Rulers is a Risky Undertaking
Experts speak of the most powerful non-state actor worldwide: Hezbollah in Lebanon will pose major challenges to the Israel Defense Forces.
Sebastian Robert
Böhm
External Author
August
The Impact of the Israel-Hamas War on Egypt's Tourist Industry
N/A
The Hamas-Israel war has affected Egypt’s vulnerable economy in various ways. Quantifying the exact impact remains challenging due to the complex and multifaceted nature of its influence on Egypt and the region.
Berat
Ürküt
Working Group Leader
December
Shifting Alliances
Saudi Arabia's new Strategic Balance Beyond US Dependence
Saudi Arabia diversifies its alliances with Russia and China, balancing US reliance while pursuing independent security
Denis
Hoffmann
Junior Research Fellow
September
The Turkish-Iraqi Security Agreement
Enhancing Bilateral Relations Despite Regional Complications
The 2024 Turkish-Iraqi security agreement boosts military collaboration, challenges Iran's influence, and raises concerns about Turkey's sway in Iraq.
Berat
Ürküt
Working Group Leader
October
Tunisia's Geopolitical Leverage
EU's Cooperation Amid Democratic Erosion
Tunisia's democracy falters under Saied's rule, yet the EU continues financial support to tackle its own migration issues. As the biggest African migrant hub, Saied, thus, has a strong bargaining position against the EU.
Neele Henry
Seifert
Junior Research Fellow
January
Balancing Borders
The EU’s Divergent Migration Deals with Lebanon and Egypt
The EU's migration deals focus on economic aid and border management, but face challenges due to regional instability.
Dema
Elya
Junior Research Fellow