North Africa Area Studies Program
The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations (NCUSAR) has launched the North Africa Area Studies Program to expand understanding of the Maghreb region, including Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, and Western Sahara. This initiative emphasizes education, cultural exchange, and strategic cooperation.
Key Features of the Program
- Study Visits: Organized trips for students, educators, and military personnel to North African countries, providing first-hand insights into their culture, politics, and history.
- Educational Enhancements: New content and resources for NCUSAR’s summer internships and academic programs, with a focus on North Africa.
- Public Events: Webinars, panels, podcasts, and publications covering North Africa-related topics.
- Annual Conference: Dedicated North Africa panels at the Arab-U.S. Policymakers Conference.
- Youth Leadership: Expanded involvement of North African themes in the Model Arab League program.
Why North Africa?
Home to two-thirds of native Arabic speakers, North Africa plays a crucial role in global strategic challenges such as energy security, counter-terrorism, climate change, and interfaith dialogue. Despite its importance, the region has often been overlooked in American discourse.
Upcoming Initiatives
- Program Launch: The first North Africa educational outreach and study visit occurred in January and February 2025 to France, Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco.
- Special Projects: Development of a film on Emir Abdelqader, curriculum resources, and cultural events showcasing North African art, music, and literature.
Leadership
The program is led by Dr. William A. Lawrence, an expert on North Africa with over 30 years of experience in academia, government, and NGOs.