Geopolitics of the Middle East and North Africa Training Course

Geopolitics of the Middle East and North Africa Training Course

Introduction

The Geopolitics of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is a highly complex and dynamic field shaped by historical legacies, diverse political systems, and intense strategic competition. This training course provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the region's intricate security dynamics, economic drivers, and sociocultural factors. It goes beyond headlines to dissect the root causes of conflicts and the forces driving regional change. Participants will gain a sophisticated understanding of the interplay between internal political struggles and external great power interests, enabling them to forecast potential scenarios and mitigate risks in a volatile environment.

Geopolitics of the Middle East and North Africa Training Course is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their strategic analysis and decision-making capabilities. It will equip learners with the skills to navigate the MENA region's multifaceted challenges, from energy politics and resource scarcity to sectarian rivalries and state-society relations. The curriculum leverages contemporary case studies and an interdisciplinary approach to foster critical thinking and practical application. By mastering the core concepts of MENA geopolitics, participants will be empowered to make informed judgments and develop effective strategies in a region of profound global importance.

Course Duration

5 days

Course Objectives 

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Critically evaluate the historical, geographical, and economic factors shaping MENA geopolitics.
• Understand the complex security landscape, including state and non-state actors, proxy conflicts, and regional arms races.
• Explain the role of oil and gas, rentier states, and economic diversification in regional stability and foreign policy.
• Pinpoint the interests and strategies of key regional powers (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Egypt) and external players (e.g., US, China, Russia, EU).
• Differentiate between various movements of political Islam and their impact on governance and society.
• Analyze the dynamics of governance, civil society, and popular movements, including the legacy of the Arab Spring.
• Apply analytical frameworks to understand major conflicts like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and wars in Syria and Yemen.
• Develop skills for scenario planning and strategic forecasting to anticipate future developments.
• Analyze the role of the MENA region as a cornerstone of global energy security and its implications for international relations.
• Evaluate the impact of terrorism, cyber threats, and cross-border organized crime on regional and international security.
• Understand the economic consequences of globalization, sanctions, and trade disputes in the MENA region.
• Apply knowledge of regional politics to inform diplomatic and policy-making strategies.
• Utilize a multidisciplinary approach to produce actionable, evidence-based assessments for professional reports and decision-making.

Organizational Benefits

• Equip leaders and analysts with the knowledge to make informed decisions and manage risks in a volatile region.
• Strengthen the organization's ability to identify, assess, and mitigate geopolitical risks to its operations, investments, and supply chains.
• Gain a competitive edge by understanding the political, economic, and security environments of key markets.
• Enable government and non-profit organizations to develop more effective and impactful policies and advocacy campaigns.
• Foster a globally-aware workforce with specialized knowledge of the MENA region, leading to greater operational resilience and success.

Target Audience 

1. Government Officials and Diplomats 
2. Corporate Executives and Risk Managers
3. Journalists and Political Analysts 
4. Security and Intelligence Professionals 
5. Academics and Researchers 
6. NGO and Humanitarian Aid Workers
7. Financial and Investment Professionals
8. International Business Managers and Consultants

Course Outline

Module 1: Foundational Geopolitics of MENA

• Historical Context: From the Ottoman Empire to the Sykes-Picot Agreement and state formation.
• Geographical Importance: Analyzing the strategic significance of the region's waterways, borders, and natural resources.
• Core Concepts: An introduction to key geopolitical theories and their application to the MENA region.
• Political Systems: A comparative study of monarchies, republics, and authoritarian regimes.
• Case Study: The enduring geopolitical consequences of the Sykes-Picot Agreement on modern borders and state identity.

Module 2: Regional Power Competition

• Iran-Saudi Rivalry: Understanding the sectarian, political, and economic dimensions of their competition.
• Turkey and the Gulf States: Analyzing Turkey's strategic ambitions and its evolving relationships with regional players.
• Israel and its Neighbors: Examining the complexities of normalization, security alliances, and the ongoing conflict.
• Egypt and North Africa: The role of Egypt in regional stability and its influence across the Maghreb and Levant.
• Case Study: The Saudi-Iranian proxy war in Yemen and its implications for regional stability and humanitarian crises.

Module 3: External Great Power Influence

• US Foreign Policy: A historical and contemporary analysis of American engagement, from oil politics to security partnerships.
• Russia's Return: Examining Russia's growing military and diplomatic footprint, particularly in Syria and Libya.
• China's Belt and Road Initiative: Understanding Beijing's strategic economic and political investments.
• European Union's Role: The EU's interests in migration, energy security, and regional stability.
• Case Study: The US-China rivalry as it plays out in the MENA region's energy markets and technological landscape.

Module 4: Energy and Political Economy

• Oil and Gas Geopolitics: The role of energy reserves in shaping domestic policy and international alliances.
• The Rentier State Model: Analyzing how states that derive wealth from external rents maintain political control.
• Economic Diversification: The challenges and opportunities of post-oil economic reforms in the Gulf states.
• Resource Scarcity: The political and security implications of water scarcity and climate change.
• Case Study: The geopolitical implications of the Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping and their impact on global trade and energy prices.

Module 5: Ideology, Society, and Security

• Political Islam: A deep dive into different movements, from the Muslim Brotherhood to Salafi-jihadism.
• The Arab Spring Legacy: Assessing the long-term outcomes and the ongoing struggles for political change.
• Non-State Actors: The rise and influence of groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and other militias.
• State-Society Relations: The role of civil society, youth movements, and sectarian identities in political dynamics.
• Case Study: The evolution of Hezbollah from a resistance movement to a dominant political and military force in Lebanon and the region.

Module 6: Major Regional Conflicts

• The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Analyzing the core issues, key actors, and stalled peace processes.
• The Syrian Civil War: Understanding the complex web of internal and external actors.
• The Libyan Conflict: A look at the ongoing power struggles between rival factions and external intervention.
• Yemen's War: The humanitarian crisis and the geopolitical struggle between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
• Case Study: The Gaza Crisis and its regional and international repercussions, including diplomatic efforts and humanitarian challenges.

Module 7: The Maghreb and Wider North Africa

• Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia: A comparative study of their political systems, economic challenges, and foreign policies.
• Libya's Instability: The challenges of post-Gaddafi transition and external influences.
• Security Threats: Examining issues of terrorism, cross-border crime, and migration in the Sahel.
• Sub-Saharan Africa Connections: The growing geopolitical and economic links between North Africa and the rest of the continent.
• Case Study: The dispute over the Western Sahara and its impact on diplomatic relations and regional security.

Module 8: The Future of MENA Geopolitics

• Emerging Trends: Forecasting the impact of demographic shifts, technological innovation, and climate change.
• Scenario Analysis: Exploring plausible future scenarios for the MENA region (e.g., increased regional integration, prolonged fragmentation, or new alliances).
• Geopolitical Intelligence: Practical skills for monitoring and analyzing political risk.
• Developing Strategic Responses: Formulating effective strategies for organizations operating in the region.
• Case Study: Analyzing the potential for Saudi-Israeli normalization and its transformative impact on regional security architecture.

Training Methodology

The course employs a highly interactive and practical methodology to ensure a deep and lasting understanding of complex geopolitical concepts. This includes:

• Expert-Led Lectures.
• Interactive Case Studies.
• Group Discussions and Debates.
• Scenario Planning Exercises.
• Analytical Frameworks

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.