The increasing involvement of external Actors in internal conflicts within the MENA is enhancing social fragmentation while preventing political reconciliation. The conflicts in Libya, Iraqand Syria, but also in Yemen - where a civil war has resulted in a military intervention by the Saudi-led coalition of Arab states - stand as a testament to the deep crises gripping the Middle East state system.

The Mediterranean is at the core of IAI's MEDRESET project, which focuses on relations between the EU and its southern neighbours, and the New-Med Research Network, which promotes reflections on internal dynamics and regional cooperation.