Independent research, policy analysis, and regional expertise to help organizations understand complex political, social, economic, and human-rights developments across the MENA region.
CESD provides independent research and policy analysis for nonprofit organizations, international institutions, research centers, media organizations, development actors, and public-sector partners seeking informed perspectives on the Middle East and North Africa.
Our approach combines regional knowledge, policy research, local context, human-rights perspectives, and multidisciplinary analysis to help partners better understand complex environments, identify emerging challenges, and develop informed strategies and programs.
With extensive experience examining political transitions, governance, conflict, minority rights, civil society, regional security, and socioeconomic developments, CESD can develop research tailored to the specific needs of each partner.
What We Offer
CESD research and policy services may include:
- Policy Research & Analysis
- Country and Regional Analysis
- Political and Geopolitical Analysis
- Human Rights Research
- Governance & Civil Society Studies
- Conflict and Post-Conflict Analysis
- Minority and Community Studies
- Economic & Social Policy Analysis
- Sanctions and International Policy Analysis
- Stakeholder Mapping
- Needs Assessments
- Qualitative Research & Interviews
- Background and Situation Reports
- Policy Briefs and Strategic Recommendations
Our Approach
Research assignments can be designed according to the needs of each organization.
Depending on the project, CESD may combine:
Desk Research
Review of existing research, legislation, policy documents, public data, and relevant institutional sources.
Regional Expertise
Analysis informed by CESD’s longstanding experience and networks across the MENA region.
Local Perspectives
Engagement with researchers, journalists, civil society actors, experts, and communities who understand developments on the ground.
Policy Analysis
Moving beyond description to identify implications, possible scenarios, policy options, and practical recommendations.
Independent Analysis
Research conducted according to CESD’s commitment to institutional independence, human rights, nonpartisanship, and evidence-based analysis.
Potential Deliverables
Depending on the scope of the engagement, CESD may provide:
- Policy Briefs
- Research Reports
- Country Assessments
- Regional Assessments
- Situation Analysis
- Stakeholder Mapping
- Background Papers
- Strategic Briefings
- Needs Assessments
- Scenario Analysis
- Policy Recommendations
- Executive Briefings
Selected Experience
Parallel Zones Project
Policy Research, Conflict Analysis & Strategic Roadmap
In 2023, CESD collaborated with the Czech-Slovak Institute of Oriental Studies (CSIORS) on the Parallel Zones Project, a policy-oriented roadmap examining approaches to conflict management and stability in Syria. The project addressed border control, governance, regional security, and potential frameworks for resolving disputes within the broader Syrian political context.
The project demonstrates CESD’s capacity to contribute to complex policy research, geopolitical analysis, scenario development, and strategic recommendations concerning conflict-affected environments in the MENA region.
Areas demonstrated:
Policy Analysis • Conflict Research • Syria Expertise • Governance • Regional Security • Strategic Planning
Read the Case Study / Research:
Parallel Zones Project – CESD
American Sanctions on Syria: Their Reality, Previous Experiences, and Possible Solutions
Sanctions, Public Policy & Socioeconomic Analysis
In this policy analysis, CESD examined the evolution and impact of U.S. sanctions on Syria, including their political, economic, humanitarian, and policy dimensions, while also considering previous experiences and potential approaches for addressing their consequences.
This work illustrates CESD’s ability to analyze the interaction between international policy decisions and their political, economic, humanitarian, and social consequences inside the MENA region.
For institutional partners, similar research can be developed around sanctions, foreign policy, humanitarian access, economic recovery, governance reforms, or other policy questions requiring both international and local perspectives.
Areas demonstrated:
Sanctions Policy • U.S.–MENA Relations • Economic Analysis • Humanitarian Impact • Policy Options • Syria Expertise
Read the Research:
American Sanctions on Syria: Their Reality, Previous Experiences, and Possible Solutions – CESD
Research Tailored to Your Organization
CESD can develop commissioned and customized research based on the needs of an organization, donor, research institution, media organization, or public-sector partner.
Assignments may range from a focused policy brief or expert assessment to a broader research project involving multiple experts, interviews, stakeholder engagement, and regional analysis.
Our primary expertise is in the Middle East and North Africa, while CESD can also collaborate with international researchers and institutions to connect regional knowledge with global policy perspectives.
Work With CESD
Need independent research, regional analysis, or a policy assessment related to the MENA region?
Request a Consultation or Discuss a Research Project → info@cesdworld.org
