Europe’s Strategic Dilemma: Responding to MENA’s Transformations
Regarding the EU’s ‘strategic dilemma,’ the tentative conclusion appears to be that there is little dilemma left: the EU has moved from a foreign policy of dialogue in the 1990s to one called ‘principled pragmatism’ in 2016, to a policy that appears to be mostly driven by pragmatism and self-interest, particularly in the domains of […]
Strengthening Civil Society in Euro-MENA Relations Amid a Changing Global Order
In 2016, Volker Perthes, a German foreign policy expert on MENA, predicted that Donald Trump’s first presidency would weaken liberal values, cause a decline in multilateral cooperation, and a shift towards economic nationalism. Eight years later these anticipated shifts have materialized, with the U.S. prioritizing transactional diplomacy, sidelining allies in key negotiations, and embracing protectionist […]
Refugees, Humanitarian Challenges, and Shared Responsibilities
The Middle East remains at the center of global displacement crises, which have been driven by protracted conflicts in Palestine, Yemen, Syria, and Sudan. Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey, and North African states such as Libya and Tunisia are all facing mounting challenges in accommodating refugees amidst dwindling international support. Meanwhile, many European states continue to […]