Today’s world is defined by escalating geopolitical uncertainty driven by persistent conflicts, communal violence, and increasing competition over scarce resources. From protracted wars in Ukraine and the Middle East to surging migration flows and climate-induced crises, the challenges are not isolated but intertwined, amplifying local struggles and exposing the vulnerabilities of states already weakened by governance deficits and economic fragility.

Now, more than ever, there is a critical need for deeply informed and context-driven insights to guide real-world solutions that can enlighten and inform the efforts required to address these challenges effectively and sustainably.

The Centre for Africa and Near East Studies (CANES) was founded on this principle, aimed at providing an incisive voice in shaping the futures of Africa and the Near East—regions bound not only by geographical proximity but by shared historical legacies and contemporary challenges.

Despite the good work by countless research institutes and think tanks in these regions, a critical gap remains in translating this rich body of research into actionable, evidence-based, and people-centred policies. Too often, the vital work of advocacy—necessary for policy to reflect the lived experiences of the people—is overlooked, leaving a disconnect between research outputs and practical implementation. Moreover, regional biases and external influences frequently skew the narrative, detracting from the authenticity and applicability of the research.