

Putin’s War in Ukraine and the Interests of GCC Hydrocarbon Producers
The impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the interests of oil producers of the Persian Gulf is much more complex than is commonly thought.
What Does ISIS’ Survival Tell Us About Countermeasures?
How the Taleban’s Second Emirate is Transforming Afghanistan
Libya Can Move Past Its Current Political Deadlock, But It Will Take Work to Maintain Any ‘Deal’
Book Review: “A Fledgling Democracy: Tunisia in the Aftermath of the Arab Uprisings” by Mohamed Zayani, ed.
Attacks from Within and Without: Threat Perceptions from Israel
Files from Exile: MP Farzana Elham Kochai on Women, Inequality and Politics in Afghanistan
Files From Exile: Pashtana Dorani on LEARN, Digital Literacy and Girls’ Education in Afghanistan
Recent Initiatives
Recanati-Kaplan Applied History Initiative
The Recanati-Kaplan Applied History Initiative (AHI) is a response to the need to inform Middle East policy with deep historical insight. The AHI serves as a hub for historically-minded research into the Middle East’s most pressing diplomatic and strategic issues. Its work is to encourage historians to apply their work to Middle East policy, and to support policymakers with historical insight as they approach the region’s key issues.
Fellowship Programme
The Fellowship Programme offers talented students and young professionals the opportunity to join discussions about the future of British foreign policy vis-á-vis the Middle East and North Africa region at the forefront of MENAF’s network.
Women's Leadership Initiative
Directed by the award-winning author and activist Dr. Nina Ansary, the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) promotes open, inclusive dialogue between scholars, activists, thought leaders, business leaders, and policy practitioners about women’s rights issues in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Strategic Brief
The Strategic Brief is a concise news summary of the past week’s events complete with forward-looking projections on what’s next in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Publications
Upcoming Events
From keynote speeches, through expert panel debates, to roundtable discussions, the Forum hosts a variety of events throughout the year.
Browse among the lineup of events we hosted in the past.
- There are no upcoming events.
- There are no upcoming events.
Latest Past Events
The Geopolitics of Energy in the East Mediterranean
Newnham College, Cambridge & Online on Zoom Sidgwick Hall, Newnham College, Sidgwick Ave, Cambridge*Separate registration for IN PERSON and ONLINE attendees below.A series of discoveries over the past decade revealed that the East Mediterranean region sits on large reserves of natural gas. Plans
2023 Turkish Elections: 5 More Years of Erdogan?
Newnham College (Cambridge) & Online on Zoom Barbara White Room, Newnham College, Sidgwick Ave, Cambridge*Separate Registration for IN PERSON and ONLINE attendees below.Described as the “World’s Most Important Elections of 2023”, Turkey faces dual presidential and parliamentary votes holding considerable ramifications for its future
Locked Out of Development: Insiders and Outsiders in Arab Capitalism
Newnham College, Cambridge & Online on Zoom Sidgwick Hall, Newnham College, Sidgwick Ave, Cambridge*Separate registration for IN PERSON and ONLINE attendees below. The political economy of the MENA region remains among the least neoliberal internationally. State intervention and protection for select sectors and
Previous Events
2023 Turkish Elections: 5 More Years of Erdogan?
7 March 2023
Domestic and Foreign Policy Under Israel's New Government
13 February 2023
In Conversation with Brian Hook
14 December 2022
French Foreign Policy in the Middle East
6 December 2022
Find complete event recordings featured on YouTube
MENAF is not only an excellent forum for the dispassionate discussion of the current Middle East, but the fastest-growing such venture in Cambridge.
Professor Brendan Simms, University of Cambridge
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