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

Soccer for peace in the Middle East and North Africa

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
Soccer for peace in the Middle East and North Africa

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
Soccer for peace in the Middle East and North Africa

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

Oct 19, 2020

Soccer for peace in the Middle East and North Africa

By Rabah Arezki

Although uniting around sport might be mainly symbolic, it could also be a confidence-building effort that could reduce tension and increase integration in a region that would mightily benefit from both.

Middle East North Africa

Issue Brief

Sep 29, 2020

The impact of COVID-19 on either shore of the Mediterranean

By Karim Mezran, Emily Burchfield, Paolo Alli, Emadeddin Badi, Haykel Ben Mahfoudh, Alessia Melcangi

This report draws on case studies of Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, and migration to the EU to illuminate the key challenges faced in the Mediterranean community, and warns of the undesirable outcomes ahead if international inaction toward the region persists.

Coronavirus North Africa

New Atlanticist

Sep 29, 2020

Five big questions as America votes: Middle East

By Middle East Programs

In every US presidential election since the September 11 terrorist attacks, the Middle East and North Africa has been a top foreign policy issue. The 2020 presidential election is no different.

Conflict Crisis Management

Insights & Impact

Sep 15, 2020

Badi quoted in Al Monitor on possible resignation of Libya Prime Minister
North Africa Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Sep 10, 2020

From coronavirus to Mediterranean tensions, Italy has stepped up its diplomatic game during dramatic year, foreign minister says

By Francesco Bechis and Valeria Covato

Despite the many difficulties, Di Maio is confident that Rome has seized the moment and provided “new impulse to Italy’s international profile and credibility.”

China Coronavirus

In the News

Jul 29, 2020

Mezran quoted in TRT World on the politics behind Haftar’s devolution of power in Libya
Libya North Africa

New Atlanticist

Jul 21, 2020

France must recognize its role in Libya’s plight

By Karim Mezran and Federica Saini Fasanotti

While Paris’s official policy in Libya has supported the United Nations-led negotiations over Libya and the Government of National Accord (GNA) that resulted from them, France’s real policy on the ground has been one of total and full support for Haftar’s forces.

Conflict France

Insights & Impact

Jul 20, 2020

Badi quoted in the Washington Post on the Libya conflict
Libya Middle East

MENASource

Jul 10, 2020

Nile Basin’s GERD dispute creates risks for Egypt, Sudan, and beyond

By Amal Kandeel

Competition for the Nile Basin’s freshwater has been growing markedly for three decades. In 2011, it intensified after Ethiopia started building the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

Ethiopia North Africa

TURKEYSource

Jul 8, 2020

Libya’s future depends on constructive, not destructive, international involvement

By Mehmet Öğütçü

Turkey’s strong support for Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj's UN-recognized administration, however, may have at least spared the country from falling into the wrong sphere of influence. But getting to a lasting peace in Libya will require the constructive involvement of all the actors who have a stake in Libya’s future.

Conflict Libya
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Experts

Fellow

Alia Brahimi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Arabic Civil Society

Fellow

Giangiacomo Calovini

Nonresident Senior Fellow, North Africa Program

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

English Europe & Eurasia

Staff

Amy Cowley

Assistant Director

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Conflict North & West Africa

Fellow

Dario Cristiani

Nonresident Senior Fellow, North Africa Program

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Staff

Nina Dannaoui-Johnson

Senior Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Arabic Economy & Business

Fellow

Lama El Hatow

Nonresident Fellow

empowerME Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Africa Climate Change & Climate Action
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