On April 3, 2025, MENA2050 hosted an enlightening webinar focused on the intersection of leadership, ideology, and foreign policy in the Middle East and North Africa. The session delved into how ideological frameworks shape foreign policy decisions across the region, featuring expert insights from Dr. Sercan Canbolat and Dr. Najah Alotaibi.

A Deep Dive into Ideology and Foreign Policy

Our distinguished speaker, Dr. Sercan Canbolat, MENA2050 Member and Director of Abrahamic Programs at UConn, shared his in-depth analysis of the role of ideology in shaping foreign policy in the MENA region.

Drawing on his co-authored work, Leaders in the Middle East and North Africa: How Ideology Shapes Foreign Policy with Prof. Özgür Özdamar, Dr. Canbolat explored the complex interplay of leadership and ideological thinking in the decision-making processes of MENA countries.

Dr. Najah Alotaibi, MENA2050 Board Member and renowned Saudi researcher and journalist, expertly moderated the session. Her background in international relations, diplomacy, and soft power provided valuable context to the discussion, allowing for a dynamic exploration of these critical issues.

Key Takeaways:

Leadership and Ideology: How leaders' personal ideologies and national interests drive policy decisions.

Foreign Policy Strategies: A closer look at how MENA states navigate international relations with ideological considerations in mind.

Challenges and Opportunities: The role of ideology in balancing competing geopolitical interests within the region.

The webinar also featured engaging Q&A sessions, where Dr. Canbolat shared additional insights into the ongoing transformations in MENA foreign policy and the increasing role of ideological thinking in shaping the region's future.