Consortium Partners

 

Consortium

 
This project’s strategy relies on the cooperation of a group of organizations based in the member states of the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council and whose collaboration towards the support and organization of each Work Package is essential. All organizations involved, including the coordinating partner will be part of a Consortium. The consortium is built around a set of existing ties of cooperation between the different partners and will aim at maximizing the synergies that these ties make possible.

The Gulf Research Center serves as the lead coordinator of the al-Jisr project. Overall, the project is composed of a consortium of both Gulf-based and European institutions. This includes:
 
The Gulf Research Center
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
www.grc.ae
Details
The driving force behind GRC is the achievement of excellence in four core areas of activity: social science research, education, media and consultancy services. GRC is a pioneering interdisciplinary organization that aims to provide knowledge for all, using a variety of mediums to overcome traditional barriers. As a non-profit research organization, GRC’s business model is unique in that it relies on its virtual community to generate revenue required to produce research and education solutions. The model is a self-perpetuating cycle that ensures the Center’s independence and ability to respond to the needs of the community.

Contributors from within the Center and its network of experts create the Content which is then disseminated through a variety of Channels in a Commercialized form and made available to the Community of people interested in the study and development of the region. In many cases, members of the community contribute to the Center’s research activities, thus completing this creative cycle.
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The Center for European Policy Studies
Brussels, Belgium
www.ceps.be
Details
CEPS was founded in Brussels in 1983, is among the most experienced and authoritative think tanks operating in the European Union today. CEPS serves as a leading forum for debate on EU affairs, but its most distinguishing feature lies in its strong in-house research capacity, complemented by an extensive network of partner institutes throughout the world. Among CEPS’s core competencies are trade and international economics; EU Justice and Home Affairs; EU Neighbourhood Policy; Climate Change and the Environment; and EU Finance and Budgetary Issues. Among its strongest features is CEPS’s complete independence to set its own research priorities and freedom from any outside influence.
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The European Institute for Asian Studies
Brussels, Belgium
www.eias.org
Details
The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) carries out research, organizes conferences, seminars and other events, and publishes a regular newsletter on all aspects of EU-Asian relations. This includes wider Asia, i.e. - Iran and the Persian Gulf. It is located close to the EU institutions and regularly hosts briefings for visiting politicians and academics which bring together all stakeholders in the EU capital.
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The Arab Reform Initiative (ARI)
Paris, France
www.arab-reform.net
Details
The Arab Reform Initiative (ARI) is a consortium of fifteen key policy research centers – 10 from the Arab world, 4 in Europe and one in the US, established in 2005. In the aftermath of the war on Iraq and in response to the declared objective of G8 countries to promote democracy in the Broader Middle East, the directors of the 15 think tanks decided to join forces and define their own strategy for promoting democratic reforms in Arab countries. The basic principle of the Initiative was to enable the Arab centers to set the agenda, define priorities and voice their vision of reform while their western partners would facilitate the collaboration through organizational backing and help convey the messages of the network to the relevant constituencies in their own countries.

ARI seeks to combine scholarly work and advocacy. It works to produce practical and intellectual tools rooted in the historic and cultural references of Arab societies that can serve to influence existing situations. It promotes sustained exchanges and dialogues on reform across the region and with outside partners.

The Initiative is a collaborative venture of a new brand. It relies on an extensive network of scholars and experts from within its member organizations and beyond, and engages with a wide range of civil society organizations, activists from political and social movements and strong connections with decision-making circles in the various Arab countries. It draws strength from its ability to reach deeply into each national context and engage broad communities within Arab societies to provide a variety of stakeholders with an opportunity to articulate a home grown vision of reform processes and ways to build democratic societies based on human rights and social justice.

Our ambition is to utilize fully this strength in order to create a common space among Arab societies to debate issues, exchange experiences and build a community of practice where research informs local initiatives. We seek to serve as facilitators of debate among very diverse groups and representatives of different schools of thought, and providers of analytical depth on the issues that are at the heart of controversies and confrontations within societies and between social and political groups and governments.

ARI seeks also to fill a gap in European and American thinking on democracy promotion in the MENA region by opening a common space of exchanges with other regions. This sustained exchange and flow of first hand analysis is designed to shed light on the differences in perceptions in the West and the flawed approaches that can sometimes result from it.

While ARI believes there is no blue print for democracy and that the process of democratization should be home grown, it also believes in comparisons and interaction with other regions to explore diverse paths to democracy. Arab societies need to be informed about successful transitions to democracy in different developing countries and the diversity of those processes and resulting political systems. Such a comparative approach is at the heart of ARI philosophy of how democratic transition can occur.

Specific goals include:

  • Maintaining operating mechanisms that ensure sustained collaboration between centers over time.
  • Produce reliable analysis sustained by facts and data drawn from primary sources in the region.
  • Tackling hitherto understudied fields due to their sensitive nature, such as women’s role and place in society and gender relations, the role of religion in public affairs, security sector reform, through a responsible approach and the participation of respected and trusted public figures.
  • Defining the terms of healthy relations with outside partners and creative ways for western countries to accompany the processes of reform.
  • Inspire an approach to reform as a comprehensive process where the interaction between political, economic, social and cultural spheres is fully recognized
  • Recommending diverse solutions relevant to the specificities of each society
  • Provide a supplement to what can be achieved by universities and educational institutions
  • Using the newly opened spaces for expression in most Arab countries to expand the culture of debate where diverse ideas are aired and a practice of negotiation is created.
  • Raising awareness in the Arab world about successful transitions to democracy and the mechanisms that made them possible in other parts of the world
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The Eurogolfe Project at Sciences
Paris, France
www.eurogolfe.com
Details
Eurogolfe, launched in October of 2003 by Professor Gilles Kepel and Dr Bernard El Ghoul, is a network of gulf and european academics, researchers and experts with a dual purpose:
  • To provide concerned individuals and organizations with a sound knowledge of the current developments in the Gulf region in terms of social, economic, political and cultural changes,
  • To enhance relations in the field of education between Europe and the GCC countries, with a view to training the leaders of tomorrow.
In spite of the pivotal role of both regions in world affairs and their crucial interaction, social science research on the Gulf in European universities during the last decades has been inadequate – with some notable exceptions. Eurogolfe aims to bridge this gap by helping to develop awareness of the present issues facing the Gulf and Europe in a globalized world. This world offers new opportunities and benefits derived from the mobility of people, the exchange of ideas, development of global communication networks and increase in trade between both regions. Unfortunately, these are counterbalanced by the exacerbation of violence and warfare.

To that effect Eurogolfe has developed a threefold plan of action during its first two years:
 

  • Identify a network of reliable partners in both regions (universities, foundations, research centers, public institutions, corporations, media, etc.)
  • Facilitate exchange between Gulf and European scholars, academics, researchers, in the social sciences : lectures, roundtables, seminars, and the first three Eurogolfe fora : Abu Dhabi, UAE (April 2004), Menton (June 2005), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (May 2007)
  • Encourage new research by Ma and PhD candidates on relevant topics, by facilitating fieldwork to that effect in cooperation with partner host institutions.

Eurogolfe maintains an innovative approach in a number of domains:

  • A light structure : in addition to its European base (Paris, Sciences Po) Eurogolfe uses the facilities of the Sciences Po Middle East and Mediterranean campus in Menton, France
  • A global outreach : the corporate world, public institutions, press and media, are associated with the developments and events. Social research findings, while defined by academic standards of excellence, are also made available to help decision-making and action.
  • A cultural challenge : the mastery of Arabic, English and French are a minimal requirement for the in-depth understanding of both regions by the new generation of leaders. Eurogolfe is a partner in the trilingual Sciences Po undergraduate campus in Menton which aims to train motivated students from Europe, America, the Mediterranean and the Middle East to achieve a standard of excellence.

Sciences Po has traditionally educated the French political and diplomatic elite, but its academic focus spans not only the political and economic sciences, but also law, communications, finance, business, urban policy, management, and journalism. Its campus is just off the Seine River, and within walking distance of Notre Dame de Paris, the Panthéon, and the Assemblée Nationale. It comprises 17th and 18th century mansions located on and around Rue Saint-Guillaume in the VIIe arrondissement of the Left Bank.
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The Bertelsmann Foundation
Gütersloh, Germany
www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de
Details
In order to apply its expertise as effectively as possible, the Bertelsmann Stiftung is structured according to subject areas. Centers of Excellence in the following four areas support the foundation’s overall efforts by carrying out interdisciplinary work: Philanthropy and Foundation Development; Corporate Culture and Management; Communities and Regions; and Culture. The Bertelsmann Stiftung responds to especially complex social challenges with its interdisciplinary projects, addressing topics such as demographic change, work/life balance and modern policy management. The Carl Bertelsmann Prize is awarded annually to honor innovative and exemplary solutions in areas of pressing social concern.

The Bertelsmann Stiftung is involved in a variety of international educational projects. In addition to the political activities of our International Relations program, we work to ensure that successful solutions receive the recognition they deserve in Germany and abroad, and implement them on site. Examples include projects in Egypt, Poland, Spain, and Israel. Knowledge transfer is strategically coordinated and takes the requirements specific to each partner country into account along with the on-site content and funding issues inherent to each international partnership.
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The National Technical University of Athens (EPU-NTUA)
Athens, Greece
www.epu.ntua.gr
Details
EPU-NTUA is a multidisciplinary scientific unit which carries out research and development projects and provides high level consulting services on a wide range of complex societal and technical problems. EPU-NTUA operates within the School of Electrical & Computer Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens, the oldest, most prestigious and most competitive academic institute in Greece.

Through the implementation of EC and national projects, EPU-NTUA has acquired significant experience in all sectors related to technical assistance on issues concerning energy, environment and technology. International energy policy dialogue facilitation is one of the most competitive qualifications of the unit. EPU-NTUA has attained international experience in providing high standard scientific support as well as organization and implementation of tailor made workshops, conferences and seminars (preparation of all necessary technical and scientific documentation, project management and co-ordination, information and dissemination), especially in the area of energy policy formulation and analysis. The EPU-NTUA team has also great experience in the transfer of know-how and has implemented several capacity building activities on practically all issues concerning energy policy.

Indicative recent project references of EPU-NTUA include among others the following:

  • “EUROGULF: An EU-GCC Dialogue for Energy Stability and Sustainability”, 2003-2005, 0.7 MEuro,
  • “EU-GCC Cooperation through the Promotion of Hydrocarbon Technology Transfer – Improving the EU Security of Supply”, 0.8 MEuro, 2003-2004,
  • “Bridging GCC needs with EU oil and gas advanced technology”, 0.6 MEuro, 1998-2001
  • “Euro-Mediterranean Energy Policy Training Network”, 2.9 MEuro, 2000-2003,
  • “Support to the ad hoc groups (energy policy, interconnections, economic analysis) of the EU-Mediterranean Energy Forum” 1.8 MEuro,
  • “Technical Consultant of the Energy Department of the Greek Ministry of Development”, 2003-2006, 1.0 MEuro,
  • “3rd Euro-Mediterranean Ministerial Conference on Energy, Athens May 20-21, 2003”, 0.28 MEuro,
  • “EU Energy efficiency policy and measures projects in Bulgaria and Romania”, 1999-2001, 0.46 MEuro,
  • “Reinforcing Energy dialogue between black sea countries and the EU”, 1999-2000, 0.4 MEuro,
  • “Decision support on the promotion of renewable energy sources and rational use of energy in the framework of the new environment in the Greek energy market”, Greece, 0.16 Meuro, 2005-2008, etc.

In addition, EPU-NTUA can mobilize all the academic network of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), within which EPU-NTUA operates. NTUA comprises 8 Engineering Schools (covering all engineering specialties) and one School of Sciences (Math, Physics, Mechanics & Humanities), with 700 teaching and research members (all holding Ph.D.) and 1100 doctoral students (engineers) who can provide backstopping on practically any technical issue.
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The Istituto Affari Internazionale (IAI)
Rome, Italy
www.iai.it
Details
The Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) was founded on 11 October 1965 on the initiative of Altiero Spinelli, its first director, with the support of the Fondazione Adriano Olivetti, the Associazione di cultura e politica "Il Mulino", Centro Studi "Nord e Sud" and the Ford Foundation. In 1991, the Institute moved to Palazzo Rondinini, an elegant eighteenth century Baroque building in the heart of Rome where the main activities organized by the Institute take place.

A non-profit organization, it is funded by individual and corporate members, public and private organizations, major international foundations, and by a standing grant from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The main objective of the Institute is to promote an understanding of the problems of international politics through studies, research, meetings and publications, with the aim of increasing the opportunities of all countries to move in the direction of supranational organization, democratic freedom and social justice (IAI Bylaws, Article 1).

RESEARCH:
An interdisciplinary approach and policy-oriented objectives characterize the Institute's analysis of international events. The IAI strives to maintain a global perspective, evaluating Italian positions with respect to those of other international actors. To this end, the Institute has involved an increasing number of foreign researchers in its projects, and has strengthened its ties with similar institutes abroad through regular bilateral and multilateral meetings.

In addition, the IAI belongs to the following international networks of research centres: EINIRAS (European Information Network on International Relations and Area Studies), EU-Consent, EuroMeSCo (Euro-Mediterranean Study Commission); GDN (Global Development Network); ISN (International Relations and Security Network), TEPSA (Trans European Policy Studies Association) and the Transatlantic Editors’ Forum.

Principal fields of research:
 

  • the European Union: institutional developments and enlargement and security
  • defence economics
  • global economic
  • transatlantic relations
  • the Mediterranean and the Middle East

CONFERENCES:
The conference activities of the IAI are broadly organized as follows:

  • public meetings and conferences
  • bilateral meetings with other Italian institutes and foreign counterparts
  • study groups and seminars related to research topics
  • lectures by foreign and Italian guest speakers
  • meetings of the Global Outlook of the Laboratory (see below)
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The Euro-Gulf Research Unit at Kuwait University
Kuwait
www.kuni.edu.kw
Details
The “EURO-GULF Research Unit” at Kuwait University, College of Social Sciences, was established in 2006 with the cooperation of the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences-Po). The unit is directed by Dr. Haila Al-Mekaimi, Professor of Political Science at the University.
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The Institute for Diplomatic Studies, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
www.ids.gov.sa/en
Details
The Institute for Diplomatic Studies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is responsible for the training of the country’s diplomatic corps. Its mission includes:
  • Carrying out the Ministry’s institute-based strategy which focuses on building and developing the professional capabilities of the Ministry and diplomatic circles’ employees; providing them with the know-how to promote the quality of their performance, service and interaction. The training courses, content and presentation; and instructors, skills and abilities, should be improved continuously.
  • Achieving the board of directors’ prospects to develop the institute into an intellectual hub capable of analyzing, crystallizing, evaluating and anticipating all issues in connection with the Kingdom’s foreign affairs and finding suitable alternatives that cope with local, regional and international developments.
  • Creating and promoting a distinguished study and research center infrastructure to foster the endeavors of Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials.
  • Upgrading the Institute services to mirror the spirit of innovation and responsibility, with highest standards of performance in place.
  • Cooperating with relevant governmental departments, as well as institutions, regional or international, to promote the Institute activities and achieve its objectives in consistence with the instructions of the board of directors

Its core objectives are:

  • Building and promoting the skills and experience of diplomatic circle and Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ employees through basic and advanced training courses.
  • Acquiring, updating and sharing knowledge through participating in symposiums, workshops and conferences focusing on diplomacy and international relations among other issues relevant to the Ministry.
  • Conducting and publishing studies, researches and reference works in diplomacy and international relations.
  • Providing the Ministry with consultations about the best way to develop the Ministry’s activities.
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The Fundación para la Relaciones Internacionales y el Diálogo Exterior (FRIDE)
Madrid , Spain
www.fride.org
Details
FRIDE is a think tank based in Madrid that aims to provide the best and most innovative thinking on Europe’s role in the international arena. It strives to break new ground in its core research interests of peace and security, human rights, democracy promotion, and development and humanitarian aid, and mould debate in governmental and non-governmental bodies through rigorous analysis, rooted in the values of justice, equality and democracy. A European think tank for Global Action:

FRIDE seeks to provide fresh and innovative thinking on Europe’s role on the international stage. As a prominent European think tank, FRIDE benefits from political independence, diversity of views and the intellectual background of its international staff. FRIDE’s research and activities are based on a set of core international values. We do not seek to act as uncritical advocates for these values, but rather to engage in rigorous analysis of the difficult debates on ethical questions in international relations. Our main contribution to international debates stems from our focus on:  

  • The Development and Promotion of Democracy
  • The World’s Conflict-blighted Failing or Fragile States
  • The Improvement of Humanitarian Action and Development
  • lectures by foreign and Italian guest speakers
  • The Protection of Human Rights and International Justice

FRIDE has established the Club de Madrid and the magazine Foreign Policy Edición española, is co-founder of the Toledo International Centre for Peace (CITpax), and is associated with Development Assistance Research Associates (DARA) and the Francisco Fernández Ordóñez Foundation (CAFFO).

PEACE & SECURITY:
The World’s Failing or Fragile States Around 50 states in the developing world currently suffer the effects of chronic institutional fragility. Amongst these, approximately 20 are at war, whilst many others are beset by serious internal violence. These states cannot guarantee the security or basic needs of their citizens, stimulate lasting economic growth, or even claim to have authority over all their national territory.

FRIDE analyses the ways in which the international community reacts to these crisis states, examining policies from peacekeeping to post-conflict assistance, and placing emphasis on the causes and consequences of violence and armed conflict through case studies in affected countries. This programme explores the theories used to understand and diagnose state fragility, and produces policy proposals aimed at boosting the effectiveness and legitimacy of the international community in tackling the ‘black holes’ of the new world order.

DEMOCRATISATION:
Progressive European Thinking on Democracy: From the Middle East, to Russia, China, Africa and Latin America debates on the introduction or ‘deepening’ of democracy have become increasingly vibrant, high profile and often divisive. FRIDE seeks to contribute to this increasingly important

HUMAN RIGHTS:
Protection of Human Rights: In recent years, International Criminal Justice has played an increasingly important role in ensuring the protection of human rights in the wake of armed conflict. Fighting impunity and securing redress for victims are now seen as vital steps towards rebuilding the rule of law in such contexts. FRIDE explores the roles and relative merits of international courts, national judicial systems and local customary law in bringing about justice for victims of human rights violations once conflicts have ended. The impact on fundamental rights of new policies towards security and terrorism is also a central research issue.

HUMANITARIAN ACTION & DEVELOPMENT:
Better Aid: Strengthening the effectiveness of foreign aid is an essential part of FRIDE’s research. This programme aims to promote poverty reduction and the alleviation of human suffering by improving European donor governments’ policies, encouraging greater coherence, and enhancing the sensitivity of foreign and domestic policies to the developmental and humanitarian impact of aid. As part of this programme, FRIDE studies how aid might be harnessed so as to foster social inclusion and democracy across the developing world. Incorporating other areas of expertise, the programme also contributes to the debate on aid effectiveness, empowerment and post-conflict aid, and best practice in humanitarian crisis responses.
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The Center for Middle Eastern Studies, Lund University
Lund, Sweden
www.cme.lu.se
Details
The Center for Middle Eastern Studies (CMES) at Lund University was inaugurated in 2007 to support 70+ researchers and professors within the university working on the region across various disciplines.
Purpose:

The main mission of CMES is to utilize existing capacities at Lund University and new competence at the Center to assist, encourage, and produce research and academic opportunities with an innovative, critical and interdisciplinary approach towards Middle Eastern Studies