The interaction of national armed forces and private business sectors offers a useful lens for viewing the politics of numerous countries of the so-called Global South. A rising trend of military political activism—often accompanied by military commercial activity—underlines the importance of drivers and outcomes in these relationships.

Spot analysis from Carnegie scholars on events relating to the Middle East and North Africa.

In the past year, Egypt has announced several ambitious economic initiatives. The Egyptian government will have to overcome major challenges to actually implement those changes.

A regular survey of experts on matters relating to Middle Eastern and North African politics and security.

Spot analysis from Carnegie scholars on events relating to the Middle East and North Africa.

In an interview, Yezid Sayigh argues that a recent IMF loan to Egypt did little to reduce the military’s role in the economy.

Lebanon’s and Jordan’s efforts to advance female participation in their armed forces are discussed in a pair of podcasts.

While the United Arab Emirates is highlighting female participation in the armed forces, the reality is somewhat different.

The country’s armed forces are removing restrictions on female participation in operations, but obstacles remain.

The Lebanese Armed Forces and its leadership have taken a conscious decision to give women much more important roles.

IMF proposals and Egyptian government initiatives offer an opportunity to bring the country's powerful military-owned companies under consolidated ownership and regulatory frameworks, mitigating their adverse impacts on economic output, public finances, and private sector development.

For Egypt to deliver on its economic projects, the tentacles of military retirees in the state bureaucracy must be cut.