Peace and Security

The recent disintegration of state order and the increase in crises and conflicts have had a decisive impact on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Violent conflicts have erupted in many parts of the region: in the Levant (Iraq/Syria), on the Arabian Peninsula (Yemen), as well as in North Africa (Libya). The "classic" Middle East conflict between Israel and Palestine remains unresolved. In addition, there are conflicts taking place within national borders. The FES seeks to contribute to a better understanding between the various actors and thus to a peaceful settlement of the prevailing disputes.

The MENA region — more than any other in the world— lacks institutions that involve all regional actors to inclusively address the security issues that arise. The most recent downgrading of the United States’ presence in the region, as well as the appearance of certain outside actors, plus more assertive foreign policy stances taken by various regional powers pose a challenge to regional security. The political reality remains strongly marked by rivalries, mutual mistrust, and violent behaviour. Without institutions, regional security policy is perceived as a zero-sum game.

With its Regional Peace and Security Project, based in Beirut, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) aims to support and promote the development and establishment of an inclusive regional security architecture. With its exclusive connection to German security policy actors inside the administrative and political framework, as well as its extensive network throughout the MENA region, the FES can serve as a platform and — if desired — as a mediator. The aim is to initiate constructive dialogues in various formats, based on mutual respect, which bring together policymakers, researchers, and young professionals from diverse backgrounds.

Publications

Unmanned aerial vehicles

Weidlich, Christian; Altmann, Jürgen

Unmanned aerial vehicles

a challenge to a WMD/DVs free zone in the Middle East
Berlin, 2013

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Yemen and the Middle East conference

Yemen and the Middle East conference

the challenge of failing states and transnational terrorism
Berlin, 2013

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Showdown in September?

Rüsche, Alexander; Hackl, Andreas

Showdown in September?

The Palestinian bid for statehood at the United Nations
Berlin;Bonn, 2011

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The Middle East - peace by piece

The Middle East - peace by piece

the quest for a solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict
Amman;Bonn, 2009

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UNIFIL: How and until when will the "interim" continue?

Kneissl, Karin

UNIFIL: How and until when will the "interim" continue?

Analysis on UNIFIL II ; three years after
Beirut;Bonn, 2010

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Regional Peace and Security Project

Regional Peace and Security Project

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is currently home to many of the world’s deadliest conflicts, many unsolved sectarian and ethnic tensions as well as meddling of global and regional powers. As a result of the so-called Arab Spring, fragmentation and instability have grown in many countries of the region. More

To know more about our international work:

Peace and Security

Peace and Security

Peace is more than just the mere absence of violence and war. Only when people can freely realize their full potential are they truly “safe”. A positive peace and human security are the indispensable anchor points of our advocacy in the field of peace and security policy. In concrete terms, this means fighting for disarmament, dialogue and cooperation – worldwide. More