Download the Full Report in PDF
The 2018 annual MERI Forum brought together policy- and decision-makers, academics and opinion-leaders to share visions and solutions for a range of core issues and challenges that are facing the Middle East today, particularly in Iraq and Kurdistan. These include the ever-changing regional power dynamics, the perpetual security and political crises and pathways for the reformation of the governing system.
The conference themes and panels included:
- Overall framework and background (MERI’s opening)
- Reforming the governing system: Decentralisation and institutionalisation in Iraq (Panel 1).
- State-Building and Nation-Building in Iraq (Panel 2).
- Kurdistan in the New Middle East (Panel 3).
- EU in the Middle East: Responsive state-building to prevent violent extremism (Panel 4).
- Legitimate Stability in Iraq, and the role of the international community (Panel 5).
- Regional and Global Power dynamics in the Middle East: Conflict and Collaboration (Panel 6 and Panel 7).
Download the Full Report in PDF
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About MERI
The Middle East Research Institute (MERI) is internationally ranked as Iraq’s leading think tank and policy research institute. As an independent, non-profit, grant-funded organisation, MERI advances evidence-based policymaking, democratic governance, and sustainable development through research, policy analysis, dialogue, and public engagement.
MERI’s research focuses on Iraq, the Levant and the wider Middle East, covering governance, state-building, foreign policy, regional security, post-conflict recovery, violent extremism, displacement, minority rights, women’s rights, civil society, Baghdad–Erbil relations, and broader geopolitical developments. Through its publications, policy dialogues, and the annual MERI Forum, MERI brings together policymakers, diplomats, academics, and civil society leaders to promote informed debate and practical policy solutions for the region’s most pressing challenges.