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.
Non-security Challenges to Libya’s economy
Libya finds itself at a pivotal moment, navigating political turmoil and division a decade after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi's regime. Despite setbacks such as the collapse of national elections, the country's economic prospects remain promising, buoyed by its abundant resources and strategic location.
A cancer at the heart of Libya’s reemergence
Despite four months of high-level discussions, Libya's parliamentary chambers failed to agree on a constitutional framework for national elections, demonstrating yet another setback in the country's tumultuous post-2011 era. The UN's repeated reliance on unproductive negotiations…
Libya – a tale of two governments, again
In recent months, Libya has witnessed a resurgence of familiar tensions and power struggles between rival governments — reminiscent of past conflicts. The Tripoli-based Government of National Unity faces a serious challenge from the Government of National Stability in Sirte…
Need to build a more resilient Arab world
The Arab world faces many challenges despite predictions of economic growth. Regional coordination remains low, further accelerating the impact of shared threats such as climate change and geopolitical instability.
Arab Maghreb Union needs a whole new foundation
The Arab Maghreb Union, established 33 years ago, aimed to create an economic and political powerhouse in North Africa. However, due to a lack of political will and unresolved tensions among member states, the union remains dormant.
The harsh realities facing Lebanon as it approaches a moment of truth
Lebanon, once dubbed the ‘Paris of the Middle East,’ now serves as an epitome of state failures. The collapse of the economy, signalled by rising unemployment, poverty, and crime, is the result of a broken political system that prioritises consensus above competence.
Tunisia needs to repair its broken education system
The aspirations of young Arabs for fundamental changes in politics, governance, human rights, and economic development are hindered by structural deficits, particularly in healthcare and education. The failure to address these issues leads to…
A difficult decade ahead for the UN
The UN faces its greatest test yet amid global crises, with doubts arising about its efficacy in fulfilling its role as a force for global good. Despite well-defined mandates, interventions in hotspots like Libya and the Sahel…
The prospects for elections in Libya remain slim to none
In the ongoing political deadlock in post-civil war Libya, opposing factions refuse to compromise, hindering the transition process. Despite calls for collaboration, both sides remain unwavered, complicating efforts to find a resolution.
Dealing with the Afghan refugee crisis
Six months since the Taliban's resurgence in Afghanistan, a dire humanitarian crisis persists, exacerbated by drought, violence, and the pandemic. Punitive measures have worsened the situation, with nearly 9 million Afghans facing starvation due to suspended aid.
How to deal with the pandemic’s ‘shadow variant’
The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating global effects beyond public health, including economic collapse, crippled international trade, and increased inequality. Governments face challenges in mapping out sustainable paths to recovery, exacerbated by…
The shifting perceptions of the ‘new’ Middle East
Arab states' intervention in the Ethiopian conflict challenges conventional perceptions, signaling a shift in regional engagement towards transregional affairs for security and stability. However, there are a few misconceptions that persist due to outdated views…
Libya on the cusp of another decade of chaos
Libya's attempt at holding presidential elections amid political turmoil and institutional deficiencies resulted in a failed endeavor. Despite a decade of instability since Muammar Qaddafi's removal, efforts for democratization failed due to disputes over candidates…
Arab governments must rise to meet the greatest challenges of our time
Governments across the Arab world are facing a multitude of challenges, from the pandemic to regional tensions and socioeconomic disparities. While addressing COVID-19 remains a top priority, the region's most pressing issue is the plight…
The anti-terror coalition is asleep at the wheel
The resurgence of Daesh (ISIS) as a formidable global security threat is demonstrated by a sophisticated attack on the Ghweyran prison in northeast Syria. Despite assertions of Daesh's decline, gaps in global response and power vacuums on the ground allow the group to thrive.
Why now is not the time for elections in Libya
Libya's pursuit of a stable post-conflict state through elections faces many challenges, particularly as there is influence of various actors seeking to maintain power and control over resources.
Good governance the key to Arab world progress
The Arab world faces unprecedented challenges, yet governance transformation remains stagnant. Despite a surge in optimism and a shift towards dialogue, internal dynamics hinder progress.
Arab world must learn to live with COVID-19
Governments globally are struggling to adapt to the evolving COVID-19 landscape, especially with the emergence of new variants and persistent challenges. Vaccine inequality and hesitancy exacerbate the situation, threatening the success of ‘zero COVID’ policies.
Elections are not the panacea for Libya’s ills
The international community’s premature promotion of Libya’s December elections failed to adequately consider the country’s complex dynamics, plagued by institutional weaknesses and political divisions.
Libya – adrift in a fragmented worldOutlet
Global crises and great power rivalry reflect a broader interregnum in geopolitics, with Libya serving as a microcosm of this chaos. The failure of the democratic transition in Libya has allowed malign interests to exploit the country's vulnerabilities…