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

Moses parts the Red Sea: Israel’s strategic challenges as new routes emerge

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
Moses parts the Red Sea: Israel’s strategic challenges as new routes emerge

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
Moses parts the Red Sea: Israel’s strategic challenges as new routes emerge

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

Nov 13, 2025

Moses parts the Red Sea: Israel’s strategic challenges as new routes emerge

By Amit Yarom

A new $4 billion bridge across the Strait of Tiran could upend plans to physically integrate Israel into the Middle East.

Economy & Business Israel

MENASource

Nov 10, 2025

The Nile at a crossroads: Navigating the GERD dispute as Egypt’s floodwaters rise

By Alessia Melcangi

The latest escalation between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia coincides with a diplomatic shift from the United States.

Africa Climate Change & Climate Action

MENASource

Oct 9, 2025

Amid Gaza cease-fire hope, where does the Egypt-Israel relationship stand?

By Shahira Amin

Israel’s Doha strike shifted the dynamics with Cairo—stemming from concerns that Egypt may be next in Israel's crosshairs.

Egypt Israel

MENASource

Oct 3, 2025

US, Italy, and Turkey alignment could push the needle in Libya

By Frank Talbot and Karim Mezran

The US, Italy and Turkey can—through balanced diplomacy—reinforce the economic opportunities presented by institutional unification in Libya.

Italy Libya

MENASource

Sep 18, 2025

Libya’s stalled transition: When domestic spoilers meet foreign interests

By Luis Aleman and Karim Mezran

Libya’s stalled transition has not happened by chance; it has been deliberately engineered into paralysis by both domestic spoilers and foreign powers.

Libya Middle East

MENASource

Sep 8, 2025

Haftar’s long game: Dynastic power and diplomatic leverage in Libya

By Karim Mezran and Dario Cristiani

Haftar may be shaping not only the current political landscape, but is also positioning himself—and his family—for long-term influence.

Libya Middle East

New Atlanticist

Aug 20, 2025

Boulos’s family ties could help advance US national security interests in Libya

By Maureen Farrell

The Trump administration has an opening to bolster US ties with Libya, but it must empower career diplomats and traditional levers of statecraft to secure lasting agreements.

Defense Policy Economy & Business

Issue Brief

Jul 25, 2025

Transporting hydrogen: A global outlook on cross-border trade

By Joseph Webster

Hydrogen is crucial for many decarbonizing sectors, yet its transport over long distances causes a demanding problem. Focusing on regional transport should be the areas policymakers focus on.

China Energy & Environment

MENASource

Jul 3, 2025

How the war in Gaza diminished dreams of political reform in Egypt

By Amr Salah Mohamed

Egypt's national debate has shifted from reform to national security with just weeks ahead of parliamentary elections.

Egypt Elections

MENASource

May 27, 2025

Beyond ceasefires: Reimagining stability and engagement in Libya

By Karim Mezran and Roberta Maggi

With all major political institutions mired in crisis, a renewed approach to peace enforcement is pivotal to building stability.

Libya Middle East
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Experts

Fellow

Alhussain Abdalla

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Arabic

Millennium fellow

Ramzi Abunemreh

Architectural Manager, Consolidated Contractors Company

Millennium Leadership Program

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

Millennium Leadership Program

Central Asia Human Rights

Millennium fellow

Kirk Allen

Digital Communications Lead, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems

Millennium Leadership Program

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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