Content

Report

Aug 3, 2023

Gulf engagement in Tunisia: Past endeavor or future prospect? 

By Sebastian Sons

Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar regard Tunisia as an important foreign policy partner within their regional sphere of influence. They also welcome Tunisia’s current autocratization under President Kais Saïed. However, Gulf states no longer pursue strategic goals there. As the region is undergoing a geopolitical shift toward more conflict management and reconciliation, the Gulf states consider Tunisia as a partner of choice in regional stability but no longer as a partner of necessity in terms of economic investment or development cooperation.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

Report

Aug 3, 2023

The Western Sahara conflict: A fragile path to negotiations

By Riccardo Fabiani

The long-dormant conflict over Western Sahara has resurged in recent years, challenging regional stability. Diplomatic tensions between the main sides, coupled with the collapse of the 1991 UN-brokered cease-fire and US recognition of Moroccan sovereignty in 2020, have complicated the situation. The appointment of UN envoy Staffan de Mistura in 2021 offers hope for the revival of cease-fire talks, while the UN and the United States aim to stabilize the conflict through renewed diplomatic efforts.

Conflict International Organizations

Report

Aug 3, 2023

Libya: Back to the future?

By Karim Mezran and Alessia Melcangi

The current Libyan situation is complex, influenced by numerous factors, including the conditions of the 2011 revolution. The misconception of it being a whole people's revolution led to a focus on elections instead of national reconciliation, hindering the rebuilding of consensus and a new social contract.

Civil Society Conflict

Report

Aug 3, 2023

Irregular migration from North Africa: Shifting local and regional dynamics

By Matteo Villa and Alissa Pavia

Irregular migration from North Africa to Europe, especially through the Central Mediterranean route connecting Libya and Tunisia to Italy, is increasing once more. Italy has witnessed a surge in irregular arrivals, with approximately 136,000 migrants disembarking between June 2022 and May 2023, almost comparable to the high arrival period of 2014-2017 when around 155,000 migrants landed each year.

Human Rights Italy

MENASource

Aug 3, 2023

Mubarak for president of Egypt? Nostalgia may be on the upcoming Egyptian presidential ballot.   

By Shahira Amin

While Gamal's plans to succeed his father had fueled public anger in the last years of Hosni Mubarak's rule a lot has changed since.

Middle East North Africa

IranSource

Aug 3, 2023

Khamenei is the best option to negotiate over Iran’s nuclear program. The next Supreme Leader won’t be so willing. 

By Danny Citrinowicz  

Considering the new leader's need to accede to IRGC demands, it seems Iran's future Supreme Leader won’t be able to satisfy the West.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Aug 3, 2023

Arbit and Shalomov in Foreign Policy: Women Will Be the Biggest Victims of Israel’s Judicial Reforms

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Aug 3, 2023

Four big geopolitical tests the European Union faces this year

By Jörn Fleck, James Batchik

From Ukraine to artificial intelligence, the second half of 2023 poses major tests that will reveal the realities of the EU’s geopolitical aspirations.  

Conflict Digital Policy

In the News

Aug 2, 2023

CBDC tracker and Kumar cited by the Elcano Royal Institute on the development of CBDCs worldwide

Read the full piece here.

China Digital Currencies

In the News

Aug 2, 2023

Cynkin in VOA

On August 1, IPSI Nonresident Senior Fellow Thomas Cynkin was quoted by VOA Korea in conversation on the trilateral summit at Camp David scheduled for August 18. He explains, “the more we institutionalize this trilateral and have more of a sort of secretariat function to support it and more working level meetings to support it […]

Indo-Pacific Japan

Experts

Events