North Africa

While it plays a distinct role in shaping regional dynamics across the Mediterranean and Sahel, North Africa in recent years has been characterized by protracted civil wars, deepening authoritarianism, economic disparity, and growing involvement from external powers. North Africa also plays a pivotal role in policy discussions on migration, climate change, and counterterrorism. CSIS experts explore these topics and more to help improve U.S. policy toward the region.

Photo: Billal Bensalem/NurPhoto/Getty Images

Photo: Billal Bensalem/NurPhoto/Getty Images

Economic Modernization and Strategic Positioning of Algeria

As Algeria opens up and diversifies its economy, it will have to navigate complex relationships with major powers and neighbors, create meaningful employment for its youth, and sustain economic reforms.

Commentary by Romina Bandura — June 5, 2026

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Experts

Jon Alterman

Jon B. Alterman

Zbigniew Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy
Daniel Byman

Daniel Byman

Director, Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program
Will Todman

Will Todman

Chief of Staff, Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department; and Senior Fellow, Middle East Program

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Economic Modernization and Strategic Positioning of Algeria

As Algeria opens up and diversifies its economy, it will have to navigate complex relationships with major powers and neighbors, create meaningful employment for its youth, and sustain economic reforms.

Commentary by Romina Bandura — June 5, 2026

Into Africa

Bridging Africa’s Health Financing Crisis

Mvemba is joined by Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of the Africa CDC, to discuss the importance of good governance, private sector investment, and strategic planning in strengthening Africa’s domestic resource mobilization.

Podcast Episode by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele and Dr. Jean Kaseya — June 26, 2025

Photo: CSIS

No Sheep? No Problem

The Moroccan king urges Moroccans to forgo the slaughter of sheep this Eid due to an ongoing drought.

Blog Post by Sadeen Haddad — June 9, 2025

Mobilizing for Sustainability

Environmental and climate crises are destabilizing the Middle East and North Africa and destroying communities. Will Todman argues that international actors should see environmental civil society as a strategic partner in their efforts to stabilize the region. 

Report by Will Todman and Martin Pimentel — November 12, 2024

Babel: Translating the Middle East

Isabelle Werenfels: North Africa's Relationship with Europe

This week on Babel, Jon Alterman speaks with Dr. Isabelle Werenfels about the ways in which relations between Europe and North Africa are changing.

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman, Will Todman, and Leah Hickert — September 4, 2024

CSIS Babel
Babel: Translating the Middle East

Karim Elgendy: Climate Diplomacy in the Middle East

This week on Babel, Jon Alterman speaks with Karim Elgendy, an expert on climate and energy policy in the Middle East and North Africa. Elgendy is the associate director at Buro Happold, an associate fellow at Chatham House, and a senior non-resident scholar at the Middle East Institute. They talk about the geopolitics of climate change, the challenges hindering climate diplomacy, and the factors driving energy production in the region. Then, he continues the conversation with Will Todman and Leah Hickert to discuss climate's role in regional diplomacy and the public discourse around climate in the Middle East.

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman, Will Todman, and Leah Hickert — June 25, 2024

CSIS Babel