Publications
Explore an archive of Hafed Al-Ghwell’s publications, ranging from academic papers to opinion pieces and columns. The archive spans Hafed’s contributions to the fields of Middle Eastern and North African studies, particularly in the fields of security, migration, energy, sustainability, and the nuanced dynamics of US and EU foreign policies in relation to the region.
Can Tunisia’s youth resist the resurgence of authoritarianism?
A decade after the Arab Spring, Tunisia’s youth face an authoritarian resurgence, as democratic aspirations wane amid economic hardship and centralized power. The frustration fueling protests highlights a disillusionment with Tunisia's political…
Alarm bells are sounding over next great ‘debt-quake’
A looming public debt crisis, exacerbated by post-pandemic recovery, geopolitical tensions, and the need for climate adaptation, threatens to reshape the global financial landscape.
How modern conflict weaponizes food
Conflict-driven hunger has escalated into a calculated and devastating weapon, particularly in regions such as the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, and the Middle East.
How modern conflict weaponizes food
Conflict-driven hunger has escalated into a brutal and calculated strategy of warfare, particularly in regions such as the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, and the Middle East. In Gaza, over 2.1 million Palestinians face severe food insecurity…
China’s growing security footprint in Africa
China's strategy in Africa has evolved significantly from primarily economic engagement to a more pronounced focus on security collaboration. This shift was formalized during the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation..
Algeria after President Tebboune’s overwhelming election victory
In an election marked by apathy and disillusionment, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune secured a sweeping 94% of the vote in Algeria, despite a turnout of less than 25% of eligible voters. This stark contrast between voter participation...
Africa’s debt fatigue could lead to global catastrophe
Africa faces an impending debt crisis that could trigger widespread global economic repercussions. The continent’s debt has surged rapidly since the early 2010s, exacerbated by global commodity price shocks and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Divided Libya faces new threat
Libya’s political fragility is intensifying as rival factions shift from direct warfare to covert battles over key state institutions, particularly the central bank and National Oil Corporation.
What would a second term for Kais Saied mean for Tunisia?
As Tunisia approaches its 2024 presidential election, incumbent Kais Saied's reelection seems highly probable, signaling a continuation and deepening of the authoritarian model that has characterized his first term.
Sudan needs peace now
The civil war in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, has created an escalating humanitarian crisis that threatens to destabilize the entire Horn of Africa. With nearly 10 million people displaced and over 25 million facing acute hunger...
The rise of the Global South and what it means for the North
The Global South Summit in India on August 17 reflects the rising demand for reshaping the international order by historically marginalized nations. With a GDP growth of 4.7% compared to the Global North's 2.1%, the Global South's economic clout…
For North Africa, crisis is actually good
North African political elites are leveraging global crises to strengthen their power. Algeria has gained prominence due to the European energy crisis following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, increasing gas exports and adopting assertive foreign policies.
Fresh approach needed if Daesh is to be defeated
Ten years after declaring itself a caliphate, Daesh remains a persistent threat despite major territorial losses. At its peak, it controlled vast lands and conducted global attacks. Though weakened, Daesh has adapted to asymmetric warfare…
Reform, not the ballot box, is the cure for Tunisia’s woes
As Tunisia heads for a pivotal election in October, the country's fragile democracy and citizens' realities hang in the balance after three tumultuous years under President Kais Saied.
For aid workers in South Sudan, no good deed goes unpunished
Escalating violence against humanitarian workers, particularly local staff, is a growing yet underreported crisis in conflict-prone regions. In 2023, the death toll for aid workers nearly doubled, with almost 300 fatalities…
Fragmented Libya is a hot spot for many emerging threats
The southern Mediterranean shores are increasingly plagued by geopolitical tensions, exacerbated by Libya's crises of arms trafficking and migration. The post-2011 destabilization of Libya led to a proliferation of small arms and light weapons…
Can we finally agree that UN’s Libya mission is not working?
Nearly fifteen years after a supposed "awakening," Libya remains crippled by division, conflict, and self-interested actors masquerading as supporters. The country is trapped between the Government of National Unity in Tripoli and the eastern…
Crackdowns on US college protests serve only to disenfranchise youth and miss the point
American universities, long heralded as bastions of free speech and engines of social change, now face a troubling decline in their handling of the Palestinian solidarity movement. Recent events at Columbia University, where over 200 pro-Palestinian…
What does Egypt-Turkiye rapprochement mean for Libya?
The rapprochement between Turkiye and Egypt marks a pivotal shift in regional diplomacy, with profound implications for the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa, particularly Libya. This thawing of relations, highlighted by diplomatic exchanges and President…
The West needs to rethink its strategy in the Sahel
Political instability, coups, and the rise of violent extremist groups are alarming trends in West Africa and the Sahel. These regions face serious challenges like weak governance, economic decline, and insecurity…