The Middle East and North Africa Programme, headed by Dr Claire Spencer, undertakes high profile research and projects on political, economic and security issues affecting the Middle East and North Africa.
Download flyer about the Programme (pdf) 

Arab World

Democratic Deficit

Regimes have become experts in manipulating the appearance of reform, but rulers should learn from Syria that postponing credible reform will increase its eventual costs, writes Jane Kinninmont for The Guardian.

Egypt 

'Bread, Dignity and Social Justice'

Unrest has increased Egypt’s economic challenges, however the period of political change presents an opportunity to build a stronger, more inclusive and politically legitimate economy, says this new paper. More on Egypt >>

Iran

Can Iranian Public Opinion Prevent War?

The World Today focuses on Iran: Patricia Lewis argues that Iranian public opinion is turning against the government's nuclear policies, and Shappi Khorsandi investigates the growing army of female ninjas; plus more. 

Yemen

Reforming the Military

Much rests on whether Yemen's new president can effectively reform the country's military and security forces and bring them under unified, professional leadership, writes Ginny Hill in Foreign Policy. More on Yemen >>

 Arab Spring and Oil Markets

Supply Crunch?

Oil prices will remain volatile as political developments combine with global economic gloom, and surviving regimes spend to pacify populations, writes Paul Stevens.

Areas of Work:

Country/Region:

• Bahrain and the Gulf
• Egypt
• Israel/Palestine
• Iran
• Iraq
• Libya
• North Africa - Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria
• Syria and Lebanon
• Yemen

Theme:

• Economics of the Arab Spring
• European Strategy in the Mediterranean
• Young Arab Analysts Network International (YAANI)
• Youth Movements in Egypt and Yemen

To complement our research, the MENA programme runs a variety of events which seek to inform and broaden current debates about the region and about UK and international policy.

We also produce a range of publicly available reports, books and papers.

Arabic

A number of our publications are available in Arabic.

Support

The MENA Programme welcomes support and input from organizations and individuals who recognize the importance of independent policy-orientated research. We fundraise for 100 per cent of our activities and costs, including salaries. More.