The Middle East & North Africa Programme will cover issues and developments in the countries of the region like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Syria, Libya, Israel, and Yemen which are undergoing rapid political transformation impacting the political and security situation of the region and beyond. Key issues include the Syrian conflict, the war against the Islamic State (IS), Iran nuclear programme, Iran-Saudi relations, Israel/Palestine conflict, and U.S./Russian foreign policy in the region. The programme will follow closely the internal political developments as well as the regional political scenario of the above countries.
Key Areas of Focus
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Iran-Saudi-Turkey-Israel Relations: Today, the political landscape of the Middle East is dominated by Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Israel. These countries are the central actors influencing the region’s future. Our research focuses on the shifting alliances, rivalries, and diplomatic relations between these powers as they navigate military, economic, and political challenges. The programme analyzes how their interactions impact regional security, trade, and international diplomacy.
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Syria’s New Political Landscape: With the departure of Bashar al-Assad, Syria is entering a new phase, marked by a restructuring of power and governance. Today, the major powers in Syria—Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Israel—are playing critical roles in shaping the future of the country. These powers are facing off in a complex geopolitical environment, where extremist groups also remain influential in certain areas, further complicating the path to stability. Our programme tracks the rebuilding efforts and political transformation in Syria, analyzing how these players and extremist elements are shaping the evolving state of the country in terms of governance, security, and regional alignment.
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The Israel-Palestine Conflict: The Israel/Palestine conflict remains a crucial issue in Middle Eastern geopolitics, but recent developments, including Israel’s normalization of relations with several Arab states (e.g., through the Abraham Accords), are shifting the region's strategic alliances. Our research looks at these developments and explores how the changing diplomatic landscape may impact the future of the Israel-Palestine conflict and broader regional peace efforts.
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U.S. and Russian Engagement: The roles of the United States and Russia in the Middle East continue to evolve, with each pursuing distinct objectives. While the U.S. seeks to contain Iran’s influence and manage regional stability, Russia has strengthened ties with Iran and Syria. Our programme examines the competing interests and strategic goals of these two global powers, assessing how their actions affect the geopolitical calculations of Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Israel.
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Security Challenges in the Region: The Middle East faces ongoing security challenges, including the lingering influence of extremist groups. These groups continue to disrupt peace efforts and hinder political stability in countries such as Syria, Yemen, and Libya. Our programme investigates the security policies and responses of Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Israel to these evolving challenges, particularly in countries dealing with governance shifts and insurgency movements. We analyze how these actors are navigating regional instability and shaping the security environment.
Why It Matters
The Middle East remains one of the most strategically important regions in the world due to its central role in global energy markets, its historical and cultural significance, and its influence over global security. The region’s political, economic, and social transformation is reshaping the global order, with Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Israel at the forefront of these changes. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for policymakers, analysts, and scholars who seek to navigate the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics.
Through rigorous analysis and in-depth research, the Middle East & North Africa Programme provides valuable insights into the region’s evolving power structure and offers a comprehensive understanding of the factors driving the political and security challenges of the MENA region. Our work is designed to inform and guide those engaged in decision-making at the regional and global levels as they address the ongoing issues and opportunities in the Middle East.