North Africa

North Africa

The North Africa region, sometimes called the Maghreb, holds strategic and political importance for the United States and Europe with its geographic crossroad between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Destabilized by the tumultuous uprisings of the Arab Spring, the developments in these countries are reasons for concern as well as hope, as different political, security, and economic conditions take shape in each country.

Featured commentary & analysis

Egyptians aren’t racist. They’re frustrated with Western appropriation of their ancient history.

MENASource May 7, 2026

Egypt’s bet on land monetization

By Amir Asmar

There’s little doubt that Egypt’s land development efforts will have measurable economic benefits, but they are unlikely, by themselves, to put the country’s economy on a solid footing.
Egypt North Africa
Egyptians aren’t racist. They’re frustrated with Western appropriation of their ancient history.

MENASource Apr 9, 2026

Egypt’s foreign minister: One cannot secure waterways ‘while ignoring the political order of the states’ along the shore

By Maisoon H. Kafafy

Maisoon H. Kafafy reached out to Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty for his thoughts on this turbulent moment and the instability in the Horn of Africa.
East Africa Egypt
Egyptians aren’t racist. They’re frustrated with Western appropriation of their ancient history.

MENASource Mar 31, 2026

Can France and Algeria get their relationship back on track?

By Karim Mezran

There are signs of a thaw between Algeria and France; however, there appears to be no real political strategy for redefining the relationship.
France North Africa

Programs

Perspectives on North Africa

The North Africa Initiative at the Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East analyzes the strategic, political, and economic importance of the region for the United States and its allies. Since the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings, North Africa has undergone political and economic transformations that have impacted stability and security in the region. With its geographic crossroad between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, North Africa continues to be an integral partner in addressing shared interests and concerns.

Learn more about the Middle East programs

Middle East Programs

Working with our allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.

EXPLORE THE ATLANTIC COUNCIL’S MIDDLE EAST PROGRAMS

Content

MENASource

Jun 29, 2023

Egyptians aren’t racist. They’re frustrated with Western appropriation of their ancient history.

By Shahira Amin

Afrocentrists claim ancient Egypt was a predominantly black civilization, but this has been refuted by many Egyptians and their government.

Middle East Nationalism

MENASource

Jun 28, 2023

The Wagner rebellion is over—for now. But how will the events reverberate in the Middle East and North Africa?

By Mark N. Katz

The June 23-24 rebellion led by Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin—aimed, he claimed, at replacing the Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov (not Russian President Vladimir Putin)—has ended. However, reverberations from it are likely to continue being felt beyond Russia, such as in the Middle East and North […]

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Jun 22, 2023

Pavia joins i24NEWS to discuss President Kais Saied’s ongoing crackdown on key opposition figures.

By Atlantic Council

Civil Society Corruption

In the News

Jun 22, 2023

Pavia joins i24NEWS to discuss Europe’s approach towards Tunisia and the concerning democratic backsliding within the country.

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Democratic Transitions

In the News

Jun 22, 2023

Pavia quoted in Al-Monitor on Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s visit to Russia

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Jun 22, 2023

Pavia joins BBC World Service to discuss potential outcomes as EP’s committee visits Lampedusa for a search and rescue fact-finding mission.

By Atlantic Council

Civil Society Human Rights

In the News

Jun 16, 2023

Mezran and Melcangi in Nouvelles du monde on President Saied’s Economic Dilemma
Economy & Business Financial Regulation

In the News

Jun 16, 2023

Mezran and Melcangi in Formiche on President Saied’s Economic Dilemma
Economy & Business International Organizations

In the News

Jun 16, 2023

Mezran and Melcangi in Decode39: Italy, US, and the Saied dilemma
Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

In the News

Jun 16, 2023

Pavia in Il Foglio: Support from Washington to save Tunisia from default
Economy & Business Financial Regulation
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Experts

Fellow

Alhussain Abdalla

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Arabic

Millennium fellow

Ramzi Abunemreh

Architectural Manager, Consolidated Contractors Company

Global Leadership Center

Central Asia Economy & Business

Fellow

Perrihan Al-Riffai

Nonresident Senior Fellow

empowerME Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Millennium fellow

Hasib Danish Alikozai

Chief, Afghanistan Branch, USAGM, Voice of America

Global Leadership Center

Central Asia Human Rights

Millennium fellow

Kirk Allen

Digital Communications Lead, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems

Global Leadership Center

Middle East NATO Partnerships

Fellow

Shahira Amin

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Arabic Economy & Business
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