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.
Somaliland and its case for statehood
Whispers of Somaliland's potential recognition as an independent state are gaining traction, with indications that the incoming US administration may support the move. This development could reshape the geopolitics of the Horn of Africa region marked…
New EU commission must change tack on migration
Migration between Europe and Africa has become a critical challenge of the 21st century, driven by historical ties, socioeconomic disparities, conflict, and environmental crises.
How the West prospers as the rest drown
The Global South faces a growing sovereign debt crisis fueled by high interest rates in wealthier Western economies, as central banks in the US and Europe combat inflation.
Decision time for the EU’s strategy on migration
The EU’s ambitious plans to curb irregular migration from North Africa face mounting challenges as key partners Egypt and Tunisia hesitate to deepen cooperation on border controls and migrant returns.
Another October, another mandate: Libya remains adrift
As the UN Security Council renews the mandate of the UN Support Mission in Libya, a pervasive sense of déjà vu lingers, underscoring the council's failure to address the entrenched political and security challenges in Libya.
Europe and the post-America Middle East
With President Joe Biden’s exit from the 2024 race, the spotlight has returned to the future of US global leadership. However, as the US continues to shift its focus to the Indo-Pacific, Europe must take a more prominent role in addressing the instability in the Middle East and North Africa.
Europe decided, what next for North Africa?
The recent European parliamentary elections may signal shifts in EU policies toward North Africa, crucial for managing migration, energy security, counterterrorism, regional stability, and climate change.
Europe’s missed opportunity in Tunisia
Tunisia, once the Arab Spring's sole democratic success, is now in severe regression, marked by an alarming crackdown on migrants, civil society, NGOs, journalists, and political opposition.
Will a new embassy mean a new approach for the US in Libya?
Libya's fractured political and security landscape is dominated by hybrid armed groups that have morphed into quasi-state actors, hindering the nation's journey toward stability and sovereignty.
Sudan needs a new approach to aid — and fast
The crisis in Sudan, inflamed by violence between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces since April 2023, has unleashed profound suffering and regional instability. Over 8.6 million people have been displaced…
EU’s new pact on migration seems unlikely to be enough
The EU's proposed Pact on Migration and Asylum, aiming to address the persistent issue of migration, arrives at a crucial moment in the bloc’s history. This comprehensive framework seeks to balance border control with "mandatory solidarity" among member states.
The invisible costs of ‘Fortress Europe’
Europe's migration management strategies, particularly in dealings with the Maghreb, illustrate a paradox at the core of European policy. Reliance on agreements with local authoritarian leaders to curb migration risks entrenching autocracy and…
In this era of disorder, clinging to bipolarity helps no one
The once-dominant paradigm of a divided world between the ‘West’ and the ‘Rest’ is giving way to a more nuanced, multipolar global order. The West's influence is waning as diverse state and non-state actors assert their agency, challenging traditional alliances…
Learning the lessons of France’s Sahel mission
France's withdrawal from the Sahel marks the end of a military-centered strategy that prioritized security over development, ultimately leading to a misalignment with regional needs and a deterioration of France's standing.
Iraq is at a crossroads — with Al-Sudani fighting a lone battle
Iraq faces a complex nexus of political, security, and economic challenges exacerbated by internal discord and foreign interference. The intertwining of state-aligned militia groups with political and security spheres complicates governance and undermines sovereignty.
Busy and momentous year ahead for the Middle East and North Africa
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faces a turbulent year ahead, characterized by geopolitical rifts, shifting power dynamics, and socio-political transformations. As nearly half of the world's population heads to the polls in 40 countries…
EU is doubling down on failed migration policies
Europe's migration policies toward North African countries, notably Tunisia, face scrutiny due to controversies and systemic human rights abuses. Despite significant spending on border management and externalization strategies, irregular migration persists…
Russia’s plans for Libya could shift regional power balance
Moscow's deepening involvement in eastern Libya, particularly through its alliance with Khalifa Haftar, signals a significant geopolitical shift. Russia's strategic maneuvers, including plans for air and naval bases, highlight its intent to expand influence in the region.
A shift to ‘strategic interdependence’ could revive the EU’s troubled policy on North Africa
Europe's aspiration for strategic autonomy has waned in the face of geopolitical crises, prompting a shift towards strategic interdependence. This evolution necessitates reevaluating Europe's North Africa policy, which has been historically marred…
For the survivors in Derna, the nightmare has only just begun
Derna, Libya, devastated by Storm Daniel, faces not only the aftermath of a natural disaster but also the corruption and oppression of its own authorities. Survivors struggle amidst blackouts and repression, abandoned by those meant to protect them.