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

Badi quoted in Al-Monitor on why Libya has responded to rising food prices with oil plant blockades

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
Badi quoted in Al-Monitor on why Libya has responded to rising food prices with oil plant blockades

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
Badi quoted in Al-Monitor on why Libya has responded to rising food prices with oil plant blockades

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

Insights & Impact

Jun 1, 2022

Badi quoted in Al-Monitor on why Libya has responded to rising food prices with oil plant blockades

By Atlantic Council

Libya Oil and Gas

In the News

May 19, 2022

Katz quoted in Arab News on overlapping interests between Russia and authoritarian leaders in the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Corruption

In the News

Apr 28, 2022

Badi quoted in The New Arab on Russia’s deployment of Libya-based Wagner Group mercenaries to Ukraine

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Defense Industry

In the News

Apr 27, 2022

Mezran and Melcangi in the Italian Journal of International Affairs: “Truly a Proxy War? Militias, Institutions, and External Actors in Libya between Limited Statehood and Rentier State”

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Corruption

In the News

Apr 27, 2022

Badi quoted in the Financial Times on Russia’s removal of Syrian and Wagner Group troops from Libya

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Defense Industry

In the News

Apr 25, 2022

Farrand quoted in Qantara on Algerian pushback against French language

By Atlantic Council

France Human Rights

In the News

Apr 20, 2022

Farrand quoted in Sued Deutsche on changing views on French language in Algeria

By Atlantic Council

France German

In the News

Apr 14, 2022

Pavia in TRT World: Tunisia’s economic woes hang over Saied’s quest to consolidate power

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Democratic Transitions

In the News

Apr 7, 2022

Melcangi quoted in the Italian Institute for International Political Studies on the rapidly deteriorating condition of Tunisia’s democracy

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Democratic Transitions

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
Load More

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
Load More