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.
A distracted world cannot afford to ignore Sudan’s growing plight
Amidst six months of relentless civil war in Sudan, the scale of human suffering and devastation is staggering, yet overshadowed by global distractions like the conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East crises. Despite pleas for intervention, Sudan's plight worsens, with a growing health crisis…
North Africa and the scramble for ‘new oil’
Africa's abundant minerals position it as a pivotal player in the transition to low-carbon economies. While Africa holds vast natural wealth, it struggles to capitalize on it due to capacity constraints.
Water Security & The Maghreb
The Maghreb faces escalating water scarcity exacerbated by the global climate crisis, with profound implications for agriculture, economy, and society. Climate-induced phenomena like droughts and wildfires are intensifying, threatening livelihoods and stability.
Libya — another year, another all-too-familiar failure
Amidst global crises, the UN's efforts in Libya stumble, relying on flawed elite bargains and unrealistic deadlines that fail to address the nation's deep-rooted issues. Despite a push for elections, the current strategy risks entrenching corruption and perpetuating violence.
A silent crisis on the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean faces a humanitarian crisis as migrants risk their lives crossing from Africa to Europe. European policies prioritize self-interest, while North African nations exploit migration.
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.
The tragic cost of failure of governance in Libya
After Storm Daniel devastated Derna, Libya, the city lies in ruins. Over 8,000 lives have been lost, with thousands more missing. The storm's wrath was compounded by the failure of dams that should have protected the city. Negligence and corruption among authorities worsened the catastrophe…
Libya-Israel fiasco highlights Washington’s misguided approach
A clandestine meeting between Libya and Israel's foreign ministers, intended to signal formal engagement, instead triggered protests and political turmoil in Libya, undermining US strategic ambitions in the region.
Navigating the Nile — a win-win for Egypt and Ethiopia
Amid the complexities of African geopolitics, Egypt and Ethiopia are embroiled in a high-stakes struggle over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), threatening regional stability.
Algeria and BRICS — dream or eventuality?
Amid Algeria's aspiration to join BRICS, questions arise about its readiness for such a move. While excluded from the bloc's expansion plans, Algeria's bid reflects a strategic shift toward emerging economies. However, challenges such as fossil fuel dependency and geopolitical rivalries may hinder its BRICS dream.
Rethink investment and help Africa realize its vast potential
Despite Africa's high returns on investment, the continent struggles to attract sustainable foreign direct investment (FDI), hindering its socio-economic development. To close the $4 trillion investment gap impeding Africa's progress, a comprehensive reassessment is imperative…
Global community faces an impossible choice in Libya
After a decade of turmoil, Libya faces two uncertain futures: a chaotic status quo dominated by self-serving elites or the prospect of a ‘unity government’ led by the same ruling class. The status quo breeds instability, manipulated by factions and foreign interests.
Al Sudani’s war on corruption in Iraq is an uphill struggle
Since assuming the presidency, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has made anti-corruption a priority in Iraq, but progress remains sluggish due to entrenched corruption within the power-sharing system. Despite massive oil wealth, corruption persists in all sectors…
Descent into illiberalism threatens Libya’s post-conflict prospects
Amidst global upheaval, Libya teeters between fragile peace and looming chaos, reminiscent of pre-Taliban Afghanistan. Civil liberties erode amidst political tensions, with persistent power vacuums and armed factions exacerbating the situation. The rise of religious extremism…
A planet on fire: COP28 must be a launchpad for real action on climate change
Amidst escalating heat waves globally, the Arab region faces profound and far-reaching implications, exacerbating existing challenges. The surge in extreme heat, driven by turbo-charged climate change, threatens food security, displaces populations…
Unity in the Maghreb is more distant than ever
In the midst of regional discord, the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) faces a crisis of integration, with Algeria and Morocco at the forefront of a rivalry. The dream of cooperation has faded, replaced by deep-seated distrust and political tensions. Despite brief moments of…
An unseen barrier to Arab prosperity
The Arab world faces recurring challenges stemming from low economic growth and social unrest, exacerbated by the pandemic. These challenges, ranging from economic stagnation to social unrest, are intensified by a decline in statistical capacities…
Libya needs a stable political structure but is it ready for party politics?
In the era of Libya's prolonged instability, the debate over political parties emerges as a contentious issue. Despite their crucial role in democratic governance, Libya's complex sociopolitical landscape and historical aversion to organized politics present challenges.
The migrant burden grows heavy so the world must act
The Arab world is witnessing a troubling decline in support for migrants and refugees, worsening their already dire situation due to prolonged displacements and severe economic crises in host countries.
Sudan: A Tinderbox to All-Out War
The recent violent clashes between Sudan's armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) exhibits deep-seated tensions between the two factions. There is a the power struggle between key figures like General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (‘Hemedti’) for control over Sudan's…