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

UNSCR 1325: Implementation in Turkey and Israel

Değirmencioğglu, Burcu; Kahana-Dagan, Merav

UNSCR 1325: Implementation in Turkey and Israel

Can civil society cooperation improve the implementation process?
Berlin, 2020

Download publication (640 KB, PDF-File)


Uniting for the shared battle

Lashkri, Mahnaz; Reeves, Brian

Uniting for the shared battle

Short-term ceasefires in Middle East conflicts to prevent humanitarian disaster
Berlin, 2020

Download publication (640 KB, PDF-File)


The dilemma of humanitarian aid in Northwestern Syria

Alhaji, Fatima; Al-Lama', Farah

The dilemma of humanitarian aid in Northwestern Syria

Berlin, 2020

Download publication (650 KB, PDF-File)


Coping with water scarcity

Hammad, Ala'a

Coping with water scarcity

A "regional water club"
Berlin, 2020

Download publication (600 KB, PDF-File)


Maritime security of the Gulf

Alahmad, Kameal

Maritime security of the Gulf

A living dilemma
Berlin, 2020

Download publication (800 KB, PDF-File)


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