1st Edition
Conflicts in the Middle East and Africa State, Non-State Actors and Unheard Voices
This book explores the multifaceted dynamics between state and non-state actors in public policy during and after conflict in the Middle East and Africa. It offers case studies and policy-relevant ideas for conflict-affected areas to move forward in a more sustainable manner.
Following the Arab Spring revolutions, civil wars have plagued the Middle East and North Africa region, along with other countries in Africa. The task of rebuilding peace and institutionalizing stability in conflict-affected countries or fragile states emerging from conflict is a daunting, uncertain, and context-specific task. Yet, focusing on understanding conflicts in the Middle East and Africa offers an important view of the role of non-state actors during conflicts. These regions feature the highest numbers of inter- and intra-state conflicts, and the governments are more often contested than in the rest of the world. The volume proposes different cases addressing the fundamental challenge of inclusion and cohesion of nonstate actors during conflicts. By providing a comprehensive exploration of diverse perspectives, it empowers readers to engage with the pressing issues facing these regions.
This is a useful resource for students and researchers in public policy and governance studies, development studies and NGOs, and Middle East and African Studies.
Introduction
Moosa Elayah
Part I: Public Policies in the Context of Conflicts and Movements for Policy Change
1. Public Policies in the Context of Conflicts: Theoretical Considerations and (Modest) Empirical Evidence from the Middle East and North Africa
Rahel M. Schomaker
2. The Trial of a New Regional Governance in Morocco: The Case of the Disputed Southern Saharan Provinces
Houssine Soussi
3. Public Policy Brief: The Bridge Between Civil Society and The State (HEYA Centre for Public Policy as a Case Study)
Hiam Elgousi
4. Harnessing NGOs for Climate Action and Environmental Awareness in the Middle East: A Path to Knowledge Diffusion
Moosa Elayah, Monged Abdalla, and Hajra Chaudhry
Part 2: The Question of Peace and State Building in the Future
5. Navigating Conflict: The Dynamics of Palestinian Civil Society Organizations Amidst Internal Division
Moosa Elayah, Yasmin Bashir, and Tamer Qarmout
6. Intergovernmental Civil Service and Governance Reform Organizations in Crisis-Prone Contexts: An Analysis of the GIFT-MENA Network
Lamia Moubayed Bissat, Sabine Hatem, and Carl Rihan
7. Overcoming Obstacles in Regional Crises: The Role of the OIC and IsDB in the MENA Region
Altea Pericoli
8. Capacity Building Against All Odds: Revitalizing a Post-Conflict Recovery Through Capacity Development in Zimbabwe
Tefsi Solomon Golla and Cristina D’Alessandro
Conclusion
Moosa Elayah
Biography
Moosa Elayah is an Associate Professor at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies in Qatar. He is also the Executive Director of AMEPPA and holds a Ph.D. from Leiden University. His work focuses on governance and innovative service delivery during conflicts in MENA and beyond.
Bakeel Alzandani is an Associate Professor at Qatar University in the field of International Relations, with a focus on peacebuilding, democratization, and conflicts in the Middle East. He holds a Ph.D. in International and National Security from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.
"In conflict-affected regions, the formulation and implementation of public policy play a pivotal role in shaping post-conflict outcomes. This collection offers a compelling exploration of the complexities involved, focusing on the involvement of state and non-state actors and their impact on policy processes. Through its well-researched case studies and interdisciplinary approach, the book offers a fresh perspective on public policy in the Middle East and Africa. It is an essential read for students, policymakers and researchers interested in understanding the nuances of policymaking in conflict settings."
Moisés Garduño García, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México"This book is an invaluable resource for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners seeking to understand the intricate dynamics of public policy during and after conflicts in the Middle East and Africa. By examining the role of state and non-state actors, it provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the challenges and opportunities in post-conflict policymaking. The case studies and theoretical frameworks presented in this book offer practical insights and recommendations for sustainable development and peacebuilding efforts. I highly recommend it."
Laurent A. Lambert, Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, Qatar"This book fills a significant gap in the literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of public policy during and after conflicts in the Middle East and Africa. By examining the roles of state and non-state actors, it sheds light on the challenges and opportunities in policy formulation and implementation in post-conflict settings. The diverse case studies and theoretical insights presented in this book offer valuable lessons and recommendations for policymakers and practitioners engaged in conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction. I highly endorse this book for its scholarly rigor and practical relevance."
Khaldoun AbouAssi, American University, USA
