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

1

MENASource

Apr 5, 2019

Algeria: A revolution without illusions

By Borzou Daragahi

For decades, Algeria was the staid, stolid giant of north Africa. With powerful and well-equipped armed forces, it has been a reliable security partner for the United States in fighting against Islamic extremist groups.

North Africa

New Atlanticist

Apr 5, 2019

Libya: Back on the brink of a civil war?

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Khalifa Haftar orders his troops to mark on Tripoli.

Conflict Libya

New Atlanticist

Mar 12, 2019

Algeria protests: More of the same or real change?

By David A. Wemer

Protests have sparked "a de facto change of personnel," rather than a real revolt, Karim Mezran argues.

Democratic Transitions North Africa

MENASource

Mar 5, 2019

Are the mass protests in Algeria signs of the Arab Spring 2.0?

By Sarah Aljishi and Ellen Jacobs

The recent demonstrations in Algeria are the latest indicators of a shifting tide. The majority of the population has become disenchanted with the elite—or the “pouvoir.” In addition to their commitment to old values and unfulfilled promises, they maintain a tight control over the government. Now, younger Algerians are taking to the streets to show their frustration.

North Africa

MENASource

Feb 27, 2019

Algerian demonstrations: What they mean for the future of the elite and the country

By Karim Mezran and Erin A. Neale

Algerian elites are missing a Leopardian moment. Giuseppe Tomasi Di Lampedusa’s masterpiece, the Leopard—which has become a staple of political science—, expresses the intrinsic idea that elites must change in order to remain elites.

North Africa

MENASource

Feb 22, 2019

General Haftar’s offensive in the Fezzan region and the Italian-French competition

By Karim Mezran

The military forces under the command of General Khalifa Haftar launched a large-scale attack on the Fezzan region in January, with the aim of taking control of the main areas of local oil production.

Libya

EnergySource

Feb 19, 2019

Gas and conflict in the Eastern Mediterranean

By Nael M. Shama

In January, Egypt, Israel, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority established the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) in an effort to coordinate energy policies and establish a regional gas market. The group will attempt to develop and organize the region’s rising gas market, allowing its members to tap their vast natural gas resources, […]

Geopolitics & Energy Security North Africa

MENASource

Jan 28, 2019

New technologies for a new Tunisia

By Wafa Ben-Hassine

With the new Start-Up Act, passed on April 2, 2018, Tunisia has started to clear the path for innovation that could lead to economic growth. The Act removed several bureaucratic hurdles that innovative projects faced when creating new business structures—vestiges of a system implemented in colonial times.

North Africa

MENASource

Jan 24, 2019

The Egyptian revolution: Eight years later

By Dr. H.A. Hellyer

Eight years ago today, a small group of Egyptians protested against their government. The protest grew, and led to millions of Egyptians coming to the streets across their country, eventually resulting in Hosni Mubarak resigning the presidency.

North Africa

New Atlanticist

Jan 22, 2019

Transitional justice in Tunisia—a transition to what?

By Eric Goldstein

Transitional justice, in a country that once seemed a propitious setting for it, is at risk of petering out amid indifference or worse from leading politicians.

Democratic Transitions Human Rights

Experts