Perspectives on Development in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region

This book analyzes conflicting political views and narratives held by different forces, both at the local and regional levels in the Middle East. Based on case studies and analysis of local economic projects, it highlights the often conflicting concepts and visions for economic and social development in the Middle East as espoused by rival political groups and grassroots organizations. The book also discusses the power of perceptions and knowledge production in shifting dynamics of power and changing the social-political dynamics in the Middle East. Furthermore, it provides a case study on the multidimensional problem of the Sykes-Picot Agreement. It will appeal to scholars of Middle Eastern politics and economics as well as political decision-makers and investors, interested in the political and economic development of the Middle East. 

This book examines the projects of administrative and territorial reconstruction of Arab countries as an aftermath of the “Arab Spring”. Additionally, it looks into an active rethinking of the former unitary model, linked by its critics with dictatorship and oppression.
The book presents decentralization or even federalization as newly emerging major topics of socio-political debate in the Arab world. As the federalist recipes and projects are specific and the struggle for their implementation has a pronounced variation, different case studies are presented. Countries discussed include Libya, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq.
The book looks into the background and prerequisites of the federalist experiments of the “Arab Spring”, describes their evolution and current state, and assesses the prospects for the future. It is, therefore, a must-read for scholars of political science, as well as policy-makers interested in a better understanding of previous and current developments in the Arab countries.

This book offers a comparative perspective on the new wave of revolutions in the MENA region. Recently, a new wave of revolutions has swept the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, comparable in some respects to the events of the Arab Spring. Revolutionary events have significantly changed the political regimes in Sudan, Algeria and Mali, while Lebanon and Iraq have also witnessed serious revolutionary episodes. Further, a new quality of protests has manifested in Iran, Egypt, Morocco and Jordan. 

This book analyzes the ideological roots, structures and operational methods of Jihadi intelligence and counterintelligence activities. Based on a substantive collection of data on terrorist attacks, communication channels, recruitment methods, manuals and statements released by various Jihadi groups, it examines and compares the nature, ideology and realities of Jihadi intelligence operations. The author, an expert on Jihadist ideology and paramilitary intelligence, compares the modus operandi of terrorist groups such as al-Qaeda and the IS with those of governmental intelligence agencies, and subsequently analyzes the role of historical and religious narratives that help Jihadist groups justify their actions and military management. Further topics covered include encryption, counterfeiting, covert operations and Jihadi intelligence activities in the digital realm. The insights shared here will allow readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of Jihadist groups and their intelligence operations, while helping practitioners and policymakers develop better counterterrorism activities and counternarratives.

Against the backdrop of terrorist activity and the emergence of new conflicts in the MENA region, this book identifies factors of political contestation and analyzes organizational forms and dynamics of terrorism and conflict in North Africa and the Sahel. Written by an international selection of authors from different fields, the book covers topics such as the radicalization of terrorist organizations operating in the region, the financing of terrorism, the role of migration, the radicalization of women, the influence and motives of great powers and external factors such as France in the region, and the impact of the war in Ukraine. The book appeals to scholars and students of politics and international relations as well as African and Middle Eastern studies.