The Middle East & North Africa


Many countries across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are experiencing a period of heightened tensions and change. The social compacts that existed between states, citizens, and markets are under stress, with an open question as to how they will be reformed. ISE works with partners to explore the role of the state in the MENA region, understand the drivers of change, and contribute to practical approaches to enhance the state’s ability to meet citizens’ needs and expectations. We continue to work on and draw lessons from countries including Egypt, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Yemen, as well as on broader trends affecting the region.

Event | When Everything is a Priority - ISE at the World Bank's Fragility Forum

The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the acute leadership challenges during shock events – decision-making, sequencing and strategy are made more challenging yet profoundly more critical. In periods of crisis – whether it be conflict, political…

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Lessons from Peacebuilding and Reconstruction Experience

The conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Libya have caused untold levels of damage, resulted in significant loss of life, decimated the physical assets of the countries, and ripped apart social fabrics. Under the most…

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Preparing for a Syrian Transition: Trust Funds

This note considers the application of a multi-donor trust fund (MDTF) to a possible Syrian transition. Firstly, it considers how an MDTF could act as the primary funding mechanism for short-term emergency support. Secondly, it…

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Preparing for a Syrian Transition: Lessons from the Past, Thinking for the Future

This paper develops scenarios for possible Syrian transitions. It identifies relevant peace building lessons from the past, outlines recommendations for members of the international community and pinpoints issues for articulating and implementing a transitional agenda.…

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Turkey: Constructing a Modern State 1918 to 1938

The creation of modern Turkey was characterized by a remarkable set of internally driven reforms. We break this complicated process into its key components. What were the key political steps? What were the key economic…

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