Middle East And North Africa Research Articles

Perspectives on transport pathways of microplastics across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region

Perspectives on transport pathways of microplastics across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region

Examining Factors Contributing to the Entrenchment and Collapse of Authoritarianism Through the Lens of the Arab Spring

Abstract: This paper hopes to examine the reasons contributing to the failure of the Arab Spring to culminate in a lasting change in political reform and democratisation. The article utilises frameworks by previous authors to explain the phenomenon of the short-lived democracies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as well as provide additional insights of the author in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the reason why autocratic states are so entrenched within MENA. At the end of this, the aim is to provide political substantiations regarding the failure of the Arab Spring, as opposed to the current focus surrounding violence and civil war as the driver to stunted democratic growth and autocratic resurgence. The article concludes that MENA countries are uniquely situated by their social, political and economic institutions and history that make democratic growth difficult unless as a means to achieve another priority, such as economic prosperity. This can be extrapolated towards analysing the behaviours of a variety of other states, democratic or autocratic, in their interactions with their population and foreign states.

Tracing the path to sustainable governance: CSR committees as mediators of board impact on ESG performance in the MENA region

Purpose This study aims to explore the mediating role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) committees in the relationship between board characteristics and environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, specifically within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Design/methodology/approach Based on a panel of 178 firms spanning 2015–2022, the analysis uses Baron and Kenny’s (1986) mediation approach, supplemented by structural equation modeling (SEM) path analysis for robustness. Findings The findings demonstrate that CSR committees play a significant mediating role in the impact of board size, expertise and gender diversity on ESG performance. Furthermore, the study confirms the direct, positive influence of both board characteristics and the presence of CSR committees on ESG performance, underscoring their strategic importance in fostering sustainability in this regional context. Practical implications The findings highlight the strategic importance of diversifying and enhancing board skills to improve ESG performance. Companies are encouraged to recalibrate their governance frameworks to leverage the mediating influence of CSR committees and promote sustainable business practices. Social implications By demonstrating the positive effect of CSR committees on ESG performance, this study aligns with global trends in responsible business conduct and highlights the importance of corporate governance in addressing environmental and social challenges. This alignment is critical for achieving sustainable development goals and reinforcing stakeholder trust in the region. Originality/value This research provides novel empirical insights into the mediating effect of CSR committees within the MENA region, offering a unique contribution to the discourse on corporate governance and sustainability. By highlighting region-specific governance dynamics that shape ESG outcomes, it deepens the understanding of effective governance practices.

Navigating Carbon Peaking and Neutrality in MENA: The Impact of Foreign Direct Investment and Trade Openness Using Panel PCSE and FGLS Techniques

ABSTRACTIn response to the global challenge of climate change and the drive towards carbon neutrality, this study investigates the effects of foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade openness (TO) on carbon emissions (CEM) within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The research spans 18 countries from 1990 to 2022, focusing on Sustainable Development Goal 13. Utilizing Porter's hypothesis and the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) theory, the study applies quantitative methods including panel corrected standard errors (PCSE) and feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) to ensure robustness. To address potential endogeneity, two‐stage least squares and lagged effect estimations are employed. The findings reveal that both FDI and TO are associated with reduced CEM, indicating positive environmental impacts. Also, the pairwise causality tests show bidirectional causality between FDI, TO, and CEM, while a unidirectional causality is found from industrialization (IND) and energy consumption (EC) to CEM. These results underscore the importance of integrating FDI and TO into strategies for achieving carbon neutrality and advancing sustainable development goals, offering actionable insights for policymakers.

The professional logics of accounting education in MENA countries: evidence from Egypt and KSA

PurposeThis study investigates the influence of the surrounding institutional context, with a particular focus on the professional perspective, on accounting education in two leading developing countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), by focusing on public universities’ undergraduate level in the two countries.Design/methodology/approachFollowing an interpretative approach, this study uses data collected mainly through interviews with the members of the key accounting professional and regulatory bodies, accounting professors and accounting graduates in Egypt and KSA. Theoretically, this study uses insights from the institutional theory to understand the institutional context shaping accounting education in the two examined settings.FindingsDespite sharing several cultural aspects, we noticed differences in accounting education in the two MENA countries. We explained how the dominant institutional perspective in these contexts (i.e. the professional perspective) affects accounting education, resulting in various implications for accounting graduates and the accounting profession. In Egypt, we noticed a retreatment of the professional perspective due to the dominance of an economic perspective informed by the worse economic conditions in the country, negatively affecting accounting education. In contrast, accounting education in KSA is primarily driven by the professional context aided by the availability of facilities and resources as well as the centrality of the role played by professionals and regulators in accounting education, which has directed accounting educators towards incorporating professional knowledge into accounting curricula.Practical implicationsBy highlighting the influence of the professional context on accounting education in a particular developing country, the findings of this study can guide regulators and policymakers in other developing countries concerning developing their accounting education programmes. Furthermore, professionals should allow accounting academics to contribute to developing the accounting profession and employers should support accounting students’ training and development.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by examining the situation of accounting education beyond Western developed contexts, presenting an extensive theoretical explanation of the salient institutional perspectives shaping that situation.

Corporate sustainability commitment in the Middle East and North Africa region: Impact on innovation and firm performance

AbstractThis study examines the effects of corporate sustainability factors (CSFs)—specifically gender diversity, energy practices, and environmental practices—on innovation and their subsequent impact on firm performance in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. By integrating Absorptive Capacity Theory, we explore how these CSFs drive innovation, contributing to broader sustainable development goals. We analyze the impact of innovation on firm performance using the resource‐based view (RBV). Utilizing secondary data from the World Bank Enterprise Survey (WBES), we employ a two‐stage instrumental variable regression (IV‐2SLS) to address endogeneity and establish causal relationships. Our findings reveal that stakeholder engagement through gender diversity, energy practices, and environmental practices significantly enhances innovation, which, in turn, drives firm performance. Diverse leadership fosters creativity and innovation, while energy‐efficient and environmentally sustainable practices reduce costs, improve brand reputation, and align with sustainable development goals. These insights underscore essential policy implications for promoting environmental policy, clean production, and sustainable innovation ecosystems. Encouraging MENA firms to engage stakeholders and adopt sustainable practices can drive economic prosperity and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Sexually transmitted infections in the middle east and North Africa: comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundGlobally, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) collectively cause 2.3 million deaths and 1.2 million cases of cancer annually. However, the epidemiology of STIs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is not well assessed because of various social and cultural factors.MethodsA systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and covering 23 MENA countries, 19 STIs, and data from 20,435,971 participants. PubMed, Embase, regional and international databases, and country-level reports were searched up to May 2024.ResultsThe analysis revealed significant regional variations in the prevalence of STIs within the MENA region. In North Africa, the most common STIs were bacterial vaginosis (31%), human papillomavirus (HPV, 23%), and Candida spp. (15%). In the Gulf Cooperation Council region and Yemen, Ureaplasma (25%), nongonococcal urethritis (NGU, 16%), and Mycoplasma spp. (12%) were the predominant infections. In the Levant region, the top STIs were HPV (20%), hepatitis B virus (HBV, 9%), and Candida spp. (9%). In Iran, Ureaplasma spp. (18%), HPV (17%), and cytomegalovirus (8%) were the most prevalent infections, whereas Ureaplasma spp. (20%), Candida spp. (18%), and HPV (16%) were most frequently detected in Türkiye. Gender-based disparities were observed, with a higher prevalence of Ureaplasma spp., Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and herpes in men and higher rates of Mycoplasma spp., HPV, HBV, and Candida spp. in women. Overall, high rates of nongonococcal urethritis (16.3%), Ureaplasma spp. (13.7%), HPV (12.7%), and Candida spp. (9.4%) were recorded in the MENA region.ConclusionsMost MENA countries lack national STI screening programs, and the reported data are primarily from symptomatic individuals. Establishing robust surveillance systems, addressing stigma and barriers to healthcare access, and expanding STIs screening and vaccination programs are crucial for accurately capturing the true burden of STIs in MENA countries.

Need for neurorehabilitation in the Middle East and North Africa from 1990 to 2021: an analysis based on the global burden of disease study.

This study will present the burden of diseases needing neurorehabilitation in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries and describe their epidemiology across age and sex groups. This study was conducted based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 findings. The authors used years of healthy life lost due to disability (YLD) as a proxy for the need for neurorehabilitation, and extracted the YLD rates and counts for neonatal encephalopathy due to birth asphyxia and trauma, stroke, neural tube defects, Parkinson's disease (PD), motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), tension-type headache, other neurological disorders (except migraine, dementia, and epilepsy), head injuries, spinal injuries, nerve injury, and asphyxiation across age groups, sexes, and MENA countries. YLD rates of disorders needing neurorehabilitation in 1990 and 2021 were 408.08 and 496.19 per 100 000 people, respectively, indicating a 21.59% rise in YLD. Stroke had the highest YLD rates in both 1990 (150.19 per 100 000) and 2021 (192.75 per 100 000). Syria, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates had the highest YLD rates for conditions needing neurorehabilitation. Considering the growing demand for neurorehabilitation with the aging of populations and the historical shortage of rehabilitation services in the region, the gap between the demand and supply may further increase in the coming years, leading to consequences for people living with neurological conditions in the region.

Towards cleaner desalination systems utilizing waste heat: a bibliometric analysis

Water scarcity is a global issue facing the coming generations. Desalination is a dependable, nonconventional freshwater method. However, desalination is an energy-intensive water treatment method. The primary energy source used to power various desalination processes for thermal and electrical energy consumption is fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas. The widespread use of fossil fuels has been linked to climate change and global warming, leading to numerous demands to reduce their usage and energy utilization. Waste heat has an excellent potential for energy recovery that can reduce the consumption of fossil fuels. This research study has been conducted to evaluate related waste heat desalination literature with data analysis, bibliometric, and clustering methods. Based on articles published between 2013 and 2023, the current study analyzed existing trends, distribution of publication subjects, journals' performances, countries' collaborations, affiliations' performances, most cited publications, authors' contributions, keyword analysis, and future perspectives on waste heat desalination systems. The findings showed that the most active journal in this field is Desalination, with 133 publications and 6332 citations. China led in publications with 242, while the United States topped the list of citations with 3598. Also, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia published 50 documents. The top 10 institutions in this field of research are in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and Asia, particularly in Saudi Arabia, China, Iran, Egypt, and Singapore. Moreover, the most frequently used terms are analyzed and clustered into three main topics. The top 3 clusters are solar-powered desalination technologies, membrane-powered desalination technologies, and power cycles driving desalination technologies.

Effectiveness of 8-week TReatment with vortioxetine on depressive symptoms in major depressive disorder patients with comorbid generalized anxiety disorder in UAE (TRUE)

BackgroundMajor Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability and results in excessive utilization of healthcare resources worldwide. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region shows a high prevalence of depressive disorders. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and MDD have the highest rate of comorbidity of all mood and anxiety disorders, ranging from 40 to 98% in drug studies. Comorbid GAD results in more significant impairment in MDD and increases the severity of symptoms. Although several clinical trials supported the safety and effectiveness of vortioxetine, no data regarding these aspects has been revealed in the MENA region. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of vortioxetine in patients with comorbid GAD in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).MethodIn a multicenter observational study, 118 patients with confirmed anxiety and depressive disorders were evaluated over four visits (baseline visit, two weeks, four weeks, and eight weeks) using MADRS and HAM-A scales to assess depression and anxiety severity, respectively by calculating mean change and the percent using Kendall’s W test.ResultsA significant mean difference in MADRS score was observed, with a gradual decrease of mean MADRS total scores over the assessment weeks (p < 0.001) as well as in HAM-A scores, from severe to moderate-severe anxiety through the four visits (p < 0.001). Furthermore, only one case was reported as a serious side effect. Nausea and insomnia were the most predominant side effects reported among the studied population.ConclusionVortioxetine was found effective and safe among patients with MDD and comorbid GAD.

Jus ad bellum series: self-defence against armed non-state actors in the MENA region

ABSTRACT This article marks the launch of the new ‘Jus ad bellum Series’ in the Journal on the Use of Force and International Law, designed to explore the evolving state practice in the jus ad bellum regime. This inaugural piece explores the evolving state practice in relation to self-defence against armed non-state actors (ANSAs), focusing specifically on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The article is structured into four key sections: first, the interpretation of Article 51 of the UN Charter; second, the contentious issue of anticipatory self-defence, focusing on how recent state practice has reshaped the concept of imminence in response to modern security threats; third, the criteria of necessity and proportionality; finally, the ‘unwilling or unable’ doctrine. The analysis of Article 51’s interpretation reveals significant variation in how states frame their self-defence claims, reflecting the complexity of applying traditional jus ad bellum rules to contemporary security threats.

The burden of cirrhosis and other chronic liver disease in the middle east and North Africa (MENA) region over three decades

BackgroundCirrhosis comprises a significant health challenge in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region impacting healthcare systems and communities. This study sought to investigate trends in the burden of cirrhosis and other chronic liver disease, different etiologies, deaths, and the disability burden utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database.MethodsAnalyzing epidemiological trends from 1990 to 2021 across 21 MENA countries, this research utilized data on age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR), age-standardized death rates, and age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) to evaluate the burden of cirrhosis and other chronic liver disease. The study also examined national variations and sociodemographic relationships.ResultsThe study identified a 114.9% increase in cirrhosis and other chronic liver disease incidence within the MENA region between 1990 and 2021, with 7,344,030 incident cases reported in 2021. The ASIR showed a steeper rise in females (9.6%) compared to males (7.0%). Etiology-specific analysis revealed an increase in the ASIR for MASLD related cirrhosis and other chronic liver disease by 22.2%, while those due to alcohol as well as hepatitis B and C decreased by 28.1%, 59.3%, and 30%, respectively. Despite the rising incidence, overall age-standardized death rates across all etiologies decreased by 54.3%, with DALYs showing a 51.4% decrease during the same period. Country-specific trends varied significantly, with Oman recording the highest annual ASIR increase (0.64%), and Qatar observing the most substantial annual reduction in age-standardized death rates (-2.88%).ConclusionThe study highlights evolving trends in cirrhosis and other chronic liver disease within the MENA region, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive, etiology, and gender-specific interventions. Despite an increasing incidence, the observed improvements in mortality rates and age-standardized disability burden indicate progress in public health efforts to mitigate cirrhosis’s impact. These findings point to the complex nature of cirrhosis outcomes and the urgent need for tailored strategies to manage its increasing burden effectively.

Green Hydrogen and Formula 1 (F1): Advancing Sustainable Comprehensive Approaches for F1 Events in the MENA Region

Formula 1 (F1) has embarked on sustainability initiatives, notably the 'Countdown to Zero' campaign aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. This article delves into F1's sustainability efforts, focusing on the integration of green hydrogen as a promising solution for reducing carbon emissions, particularly within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Despite the novelty of green hydrogen in F1, its potential applications in powering vehicles and supporting event logistics are explored. Additionally, the article examines MENA's significance in F1's sustainability agenda, given its abundant renewable energy resources and strategic position in hosting Grand Prix races. The feasibility of transitioning F1 cars to sustainable alternatives, including electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered cars, and e-fuels, is scrutinized, highlighting challenges and opportunities. Furthermore, the article discusses sustainable practices that can make F1 events more sustainable. It refers to sustainable practices previously implemented in past F1 Grand Prix races, assesses their applicability to the MENA region, and suggests innovative practices that the MENA can implement; these include the installation of solar canopies in F1 circuit parking lots and the use of bio-fuelled trucks for event logistics. Investment in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) emerges as another avenue for F1 to mitigate its carbon footprint, potentially through partnerships with airlines present in the MENA region, such as Emirates. Ultimately, this article underscores the imperative for F1 to embrace sustainable practices, not only to align with societal trends but also to lead the charge in environmental stewardship within the realm of motorsport.

Energy Transition in the Middle East and North Africa Region: Regional Solutions for Climate Change Challenges Amid Economic Sanctions

As the world grapples with the urgent priority of transitioning to a net-zero future, there exists a shared need to make all efforts to reduce anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, mostly caused by burning fossil fuels. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region plays an important role because of its oil and natural gas output. Additionally, this region has experienced significant conflict and numerous wars. This article will focus on one of the many challenges that some key states in the MENA region, with a main focus on Iran, are facing in their energy transition. Several countries in the MENA region are or have recently been subject to some form of economic sanctions. Sanctions appear to have had a material impact on these countries’ abilities to fulfill their contributions to transitioning to a net-zero economy. Research suggests that the chief obstacles they face regarding that transition is the lack of access to the latest technologies, a dearth of financing, limited or often no direct investments in low carbon industry, diplomatic isolation, and the concomitant economic volatility caused by sanctions, which in sum, take away from the financial capacity of a target country to save and invest for the transition to net zero. Therefore, it is crucial to revisit sanctions laws and policies, ensuring that they do not hinder the global community from achieving its climate goals. This article proposes establishing a regional ‘climate savings account’ to serve as a strategic mechanism to balance geopolitical interests and environmental goals.

Clinico-demographic profile of burns in the Middle-East and North-Africa (MENA) region: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Burn injuries remain a public health issue with risk of mortality and multiple post-burn morbidities. This article aims to systematically review and meta-analyse data about burns in the Middle-East and North-Africa (MENA) region. Methods Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, Global Index Medicus, Cochrane Library and Google scholar data were searched from their dates of inception till April 2024. Results One hundred and one studies were included in this review, representing data from twelve countries in the region. Data was sub-grouped into two groups: pediatric group and emergency room (ER) group. The pooled random-effect estimates were male gender 58.6% [95% CI 56.9–60.2%], accidental injury 91.1% [95% CI 85.9–94.5%], scald burn 50% [95% CI 46.7–53.4%], at home injury 79.9% [95% CI 76.7–82.8%], upper limbs involvement 51.7% [95% CI 46.8–56.6%], mean body surface area burned (BSAB) 17.2% [95% CI 14.69–19.84%], second-degree burns 56.5% [95% CI 49–63.8%], length of stay 11.18 days [95% CI 9.68–12.68%] and mortality rate 9.1% [95% CI 7.5–11%]. All included studies were of good quality. Conclusion This review shows scarcity of studies from many countries in the MENA region. These data will inform policy makers and burn specialists about the extent of this public issue in the region.

The Role of the Textile Industry and Permitting Systems in Advancing the Environmental Dimensions of the SDGs in the MENA Region

The textile industry plays a key role in driving development and human welfare, but it is also a sector struggling to address its contribution to the triple planetary crisis – climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the environmental implications are compounded by the region’s water scarcity, land degradation and energy dependence. This article emphasises the urgent need to transition towards a sustainable and circular textile value chain to accelerate the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this respect, permitting processes play a key role. However, the role of permitting systems in driving us towards a sustainable economy for textiles has not been exhaustively explored, if at all. Drawing upon research conducted by the UNEP Law Division in collaboration with Queensland University of Technology, as well as a broader literature review, this article examines the role of the textile industry in the MENA region and the importance of developing, or strengthening existing, legislation relating to permitting procedures, with a specific focus on Morocco, Türkiye, Jordan, and Egypt. The article underscores the pivotal role of environmental permitting processes in addressing the environmental footprint of the textile sector, mainly related to the production phase of the industry. While many countries already have permit processes in place, there is a need for policymakers to review and strengthen these frameworks to ensure comprehensive integration and address existing gaps. By doing so, countries can more effectively regulate and minimise the environmental impact of textile activities, thereby advancing the environmental dimensions of the SDGs.

Policy Options for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the MENA Region through the Effective Implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faces a complex set of challenges, including political instability, economic disparities, and environmental degradation. Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in this region is paramount to ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for its diverse populations. Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) play a crucial role in addressing environmental issues, which are intertwined with many of the SDGs. This paper explored policy options that can help the MENA region make significant strides towards achieving the SDGs through the effective implementation of MEAs. To achieve this, the MENA region will be required to strengthen regional cooperation through the development and implementation of regional agreements that are tailored towards shared environmental issues, such as trans-boundary water management in the Nile River basin or tackling air pollution in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Strategies for the adoption of policies on the region’s prevalent issues such as drought and desertification, renewable energy transition, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation will have to be negotiated, developed, strengthened, and implemented. The paper utilised a content analysis research approach in analysing selected international and regional MEAs. The paper highlights the challenges with the implementation of both international and regional MEAs, with a view to raising awareness on the shortcomings and challenges of implementation of these very important environmental treaties. Achieving the SDGs in the MENA region through the implementation of MEAs requires a coordinated effort amongst nations, international organisations, and civil society. By prioritising regional cooperation, sustainable resource management, renewable energy adoption, biodiversity conservation, climate action, waste management and education, the MENA region can make significant progress towards a more sustainable and prosperous future. These policy options offer a roadmap to address pressing environmental challenges whilst simultaneously advancing the broader agenda of sustainable development.

Land Governance and Environmental Management in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region

The importance of governance arrangements for access, use and control of land and resources is being increasingly recognized by international institutions. This paper overviews land governance initiatives being promoted by UN Habitat, and the growing importance of rapidly developing geospatial technologies. The paper next addresses land governance issues in the MENA region, particularly the Arab Land Governance initiative, and presents a brief case study of Oman’s land governance, and its effects upon society, urban settlement patterns, and land markets. Issues of education and training for better land governance are discussed. Recommendations and conclusions address the issues and ways forward for the region.

Integrating ESG Principles into Environmental Education: Opportunities and Challenges in the MENA Region

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region grapples with pressing environmental challenges such as water scarcity, desertification, and climate change. However, within these challenges lies the potential for sustainable development. A paradigm shift in environmental education for sustainable development is imperative to address these issues effectively. Environmental education plays a crucial role in instilling resilience in the face of climate change and natural disasters that increasingly impact the region. Redefining EE through Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) can act as a catalyst for positive change. Integrating ESG principles into education empowers citizens not only to understand environmental issues but also to lead sustainable lives and contribute to the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Accessibility to environmental education should be universal, transcending gender, socioeconomic status, and geographical location. Leveraging technology and digital platforms can significantly enhance the reach and impact of environmental education. Methodologically, this article employs a conventional literature review approach, conducting a desktop research to comprehensively examine the existing body of publications related to environmental education for sustainable development in the MENA region. The review explores current environmental educational approaches applied to achieve sustainable development in the MENA region. Subsequently, it introduces alternative approaches that leverage ESG principles consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to redefine the current status quo. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift in environmental education in the MENA region through the integration of ESG principles into the curriculum, promotion of collaborative governance and inclusivity, the region can nurture a new path of environmentally conscious citizens poised to contribute to sustainable development.

The Policy Factors in the Decline of U. S. Agricultural Imports in the MENA Region

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region stands on a global pivot point, impacting the world through its diverse political and economic dynamics. While often recognized for its complex challenges, the region's food security remains surprisingly under-considered, even though it carries significant global repercussions. This research focuses on a concerning trend: the decline of U.S. agricultural exports to MENA, potentially jeopardizing regional stability and impacting global food systems. While EU competitiveness is acknowledged, this research delves deeper than mere identification of competitors such as the EU, dissecting the interplay of their advantages – superior pricing and yields – against the U.S. approach from a policy-perspective. The paper’s ultimate goal is to highlight how the US has suffered from out-competition from the EU, not simply MENA countries’ diversification, leading to the latter’s collapse as a source of staple crop importations, in order to prevent such drastic changes in the future as the same trend in other industries could provide much more devastating for the US. This analysis can impact US policy and inspire a shift towards more sensible and outcome-oriented spending policies.