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.

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.

Libya

Content

In the News

Apr 3, 2022

Mezran quoted in Formiche on the role of Operation Irini in Libya peace efforts amidst political instability

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Mar 31, 2022

Farrand joins Undispatch to discuss recent civilian unrest in Algeria and Algeria’s political future

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Economy & Business

MENASource

Mar 29, 2022

Europe needs a new energy option that isn’t Russia. It should turn to North Africa.

By Amin Mohseni-Cheraghlou

North Africa has the potential to play an even more substantial role in Europe’s energy mix, especially because of its massive solar resources.

Middle East North Africa

Testimony

Mar 21, 2022

Qaddour testifies to the MENA and Global Counterterrorism subcommittee on the humanitarian impact of the Syrian conflict

On March 16, 2022, Jomana Qaddour, Resident Senior Fellow with the Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs leading the Syria portfolio, testified to the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Middle East, North Africa and Global Counterterrorism on the humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict in Syria 11 years later.

Middle East North Africa

Report

Mar 16, 2022

Great power projection in the Middle East: The China-Russia relationship as a force multiplier

By Jonathan Fulton and Li-Chen Sim

The conflict is also likely to provide states in the MENA region, especially oil producing states, with greater leverage over the US and Western allies. The US designation of Qatar as a major non-NATO ally in January 2022 could be seen from this perspective

China Economy & Business

MENASource

Mar 11, 2022

<strong>North Africa’s transatlantic relations: How the US can engage its European allies in North Africa</strong>

By Salwa Balla

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, US and European partnership and collaboration in North Africa becomes imperative to protecting shared values across the region.

Middle East North Africa

Issue Brief

Mar 4, 2022

Techno-geopolitics and the Turkish way of drone warfare

By Dr. Can Kasapoğlu

Turkish Defense expert Can Kasapoglu analyzes the implications of Turkey's military dronization and evolution of drone warfare. Turkish drones have already proven to be capable assets in a variety of conflict zones across the region, with Ukraine being the last example.

Conflict Defense Industry

In the News

Mar 4, 2022

Farrand in Democracy for the Arab World Now: Russia’s War in Ukraine Will Relieve the Pressure on Algeria’s Leaders—for Now

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Feb 28, 2022

Mezran quoted in The Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington on Libya’s presidential crisis and democratic backsliding

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Democratic Transitions

In the News

Feb 26, 2022

Melcangi quoted in International Policy Digest on Egypt’s relations with Libya and domestic policy challenges

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Democratic Transitions

Experts