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All Publications
All Publications
19 Dec 2019
Policy Brief: Public Transportation Issues and their Impact on the Economic Participation of Women in Amman
This paper is part of a series titled “Towards Inclusive Participation of Vulnerable Women and People with Disabilities in the Social and Economic Life”. The project was implemented by the Social Justice pillar, the West Asia-North Africa Institute (WANA) and supported by IM Swedish Development Part...
10 Dec 2019
Theory of Change: Towards More Effective Human Security Approaches in the Context of the Emerging Threat of Violent Radicalisation in Jordan, Lebanon, and Tunisia
This Theory of Change concludes the project “Towards more effective human security approaches in the context of the emerging threat of violent extremism in Jordan, Lebanon and Tunisia.” Over three years, the project has examined the trilateral relation between human security, state security policies...
Author : Dr Neven Bondokji, Barik Mhadeen
02 Dec 2019
End-of-Project Workshop Report: Towards more effective human security approaches
The West Asia North Africa Institute (WANA) hosted an end-of-project workshop to publicise the findings of the three-year long research project “Towards More Effective Human Security Approaches in the Context of the Emerging Threat of Violent Extremism in Jordan, Lebanon, and Tunisia”. This end-of-p...
Author : Dr Neven Bondokji, Barik Mhadeen
14 Nov 2019
White paper: Towards More Effective Human Security Approaches in the Context of the Emerging Threat of Violent Radicalisation in Jordan, Lebanon, and Tunisia
This white paper, which is part of the project " Towards More Effective Human Security Approaches in the Context of the Emerging Threat of Violent Extremism in Jordan, Lebanon, and Tunisia", discusses the role of preventing violent extremism programmes implemented in the West Asia-North Africa (WANA...
Author : Dr Neven Bondokji, Barik Mhadeen
31 Oct 2019
Analysis: No Business as Usual in Syria
This paper discusses Syria’s economic future after surviving the Syrian conflict, and the available options for business people in Syria, especially in the shade of destruction across the country which resulted in considerable infrastructural damage and lost and disrupted livelihoods. In addition to...
Author : Alexander Decina, Katherine Nazemi
17 Oct 2019
Environmental Statistics & Locally Proposed Activities to Combat Climate Change: Infographic Brief
This booklet is part of a two year project that was implemented between the years 2017-2019 under the title “Enabling Communities for Climate Change Adaptation Planning: Understanding Gender Roles” with funding from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Jordan.
This infographic brief over...
Author : Dr. Majd Al Naber, Reem Alhaddadin
01 Aug 2019
Human Security in Action
The concept of human security is considered pivotal for assuring the stability of societies and reinforcing them in the face of the various drivers of conflict. It addresses a wide spectrum of variables which could influence the wellbeing and stability of people.
Author : Barik Mhadeen, Lina AlHaj Ahmad
22 Jul 2019
Rethinking the Concept of Human Security and Its Approaches to Preventing and Combating Violent Extremism in Tunisia
This country report reflects an examination of the data collected in Tunisia over 12-months. Initially, it grapples with some definitional issues pertaining to human security, outlining how the concept is well-present at the perception level, but absent at the procedural knowledge level. It also ext...
Author : Maher Zoghlemi and research assistant Helmi Toumi
08 Jul 2019
Manufacturing Employment in Jordan
Manufacturing activity is a strong indicator of a country’s economic development. While Jordan's agricultural activity is flourishing, its steadily-growing manufacturing sector continues to face challenges as it seeks to play a greater role in the kingdom’s economy. This report gives an overview of ...
Author : Kareem Al-Sharabi
08 Jul 2019
The Battle of Ben Guerdane: Between Savagery and Resilience
This policy brief presents the preliminary findings from field research conducted by the Jasmine Foundation for Research and Communication in Ben Guerden, Tunisia. The brief discusses how locals in a marginalised border area in Tunisia tackle issues like violent extremism, the state of human securit...
Author : Maher Zoghlemi and research assistant Helmi Toumi
30 Jun 2019
Sectarian Politics, Human Security, and the Quest to Prevent Violent Extremism in Lebanon
This Country Report presents an examination of the attitudes and perceptions in six communities across Lebanon: Baalbek; Hay el Seloum; Saida; Tripoli; Zgharta and Kfarnabrakh. Specifically, it examines how Human Security is conceptualised in these communities and it captures the local variations in...
Author : Zeina El-Helou, Sami Zoughaib, May Tamim, Dr Neven Bondokji
27 Jun 2019
Syrian Refugees and Social Cohesion in Jordan: A Closer Look at Farming Communities in the Jordan Valley
Farming plays an instrumental role in Jordan's society, a field that has brought together Jordanian and Syrian workers. This report highlights Jordanian farmer views of their Syrian colleagues, the nature of social ties, and integration between them. The findings of this report are based on three fo...
Author : Kareem Al-Sharabi
12 Jun 2019
Embracing Social Exclusion in Douar Hicher: Isolation and Code Words
This policy brief presents the preliminary findings from field research conducted by the Jasmine Foundation for Research and Communication in Dowar Hicher, Tunisia. The brief explores the relationship between human security programming, state-centric security policies, and PVE efforts there. It disc...
Author : Maher Zoghlemi and research assistant Helmi Toumi
03 Jun 2019
Towards Comprehensive Human Security in Tripoli
This policy brief presents the preliminary findings from field research conducted by the Lebanese Centre for Policy Studies in Tripoli, Lebanon. The brief explores the relationship between human security programming, state-centric security policies, and PVE efforts there. It discusses interesting fa...
Author : Barik Mhadeen, based on field research and summary findings by LCPS team
15 May 2019
Human Security: Localised Insights from Baalbek
This policy brief presents the preliminary findings from field research conducted by the Lebanese Centre for Policy Studies in Baalbek, Lebanon. The brief explores the relationship between human security programming, state-centric security policies, and PVE efforts there. It discusses interesting fa...
Author : Barik Mhadeen, based on field research and summary findings by LCPS team
01 May 2019
Determinants of Human Security and Hard Security in Ajloun
This policy brief presents the preliminary findings from WANA Institute field research in Ajloun about the relation between human security, state-centric security policies, and efforts for preventing violent extremism. The brief offers unique insights into the perceptions of Ajloun residents of thes...
Author : Dr Neven Bondokji, Barik Mhadeen, Lina AlHaj Ahmad
24 Apr 2019
A Read of Human and Population Security: Russeifa as a Case Study
This policy brief presents the preliminary findings from WANA Institute field research in Russeifa. The brief offers unique insights into the perceptions of Russeifa residents of the relationship between human security, state security policies, and efforts aimed at preventing violent extremism. The ...
Author : Dr Neven Bondokji, Lina AlHaj Ahmad
18 Apr 2019
Measuring the Impact of Refugee Labour Inclusion on the Host State Economy
This infographic brief contains the key takeaways from our research on Syrian refugee labour inclusion in Jordan. The research measures and tracks economic and social cohesion outcomes using quantitative and qualitative data collected over a 3-year period. The findings provide an objective starting ...
Author : WANA Institute, Mercy Corps
04 Apr 2019
Human Security in Tafileh: Trends and Perceptions
This policy brief presents the preliminary findings from WANA Institute field research in Tafileh. The brief offers unique insights into the perceptions of Tafileh residents of the relationship between human security, state security policies, and efforts aimed at preventing violent extremism. The di...
Author : Barik Mhadeen, Dr Neven Bondokji
31 Mar 2019
Executive Summary: The Syrian Refugee Crisis in Jordan and Its Impact on the Jordanian Economy
In late 2016 — just months after the signing of the Jordan Compact — the WANA Institute and Mercy Corps set out to measure the impact of Syrian labour on Jordan’s economy. This research initiative, which has spanned two years, has resulted in several publications. Notable highlights and key conclusi...
Author : Dorsey Lockhart
31 Mar 2019
Syrian Refugee Return: Implications for the Jordanian Host State
This report — the first in a series of three studies — includes initial viewpoints on how the return of Syrian refugees would impact Jordanian labour, employment, housing rents, consumption, and government spending. Drawing primarily on the first-hand accounts of community-based organisations in Amm...
Author : Kareem Al-Sharabi
31 Mar 2019
The Syrian Refugee Crisis and Its Impact on the Jordanian Labour Market
This report — the second piece in a three-part study — reviews the body of research that has been conducted on Syrian participation in the labour market and assess the impact that the Syrian refugees had on the Jordanian labour market between 2012 and 2016.
Author : Dr Salem Ajluni, Dorsey Lockhart
31 Mar 2019
Investment and Employment Trends in Jordan's Key Economic Sectors
This publication provides policy-makers, donors, and other stakeholders with a relevant quantitative framework for understanding the relationship between investment and employment across key economic sectors in Jordan.
Author : Dr Salem Ajluni
13 Mar 2019
Determinants of Human Security and State-Centric Security in Karak
This policy brief presents the preliminary findings from WANA Institute field research with around 80 participants in Karak. The brief offers a descriptive account of the attitudes towards and perceptions of Karak residents of the relationship between human security, state security policies, and eff...
Author : Dr Neven Bondokji, Lina AlHaj Ahmad
31 Jan 2019
Managers’ Reflections on Sub-Sector Performance, Investment, Worker Profile, and Technology Trends
The signing of the Jordan Compact in February 2016 unleashed a wave of optimism that a larger workforce combined with improved trade access for industrial goods would ignite a surge in growth of Jordan’s manufacturing sector. Between 2010 and 2016, GDP from manufacturing in Jordan grew by 13 per cen...
Author : Dorsey Lockhart
27 Sep 2018
ANALYSIS: How Security and Diplomacy Intersect in Russia and Turkey’s Idlib Deal
By mid-September 2018, the Bashar al-Assad regime was poised to launch a military campaign on the last major opposition stronghold in Idlib, Syria. With considerable military buildup, it seemed that a wide-scale operation to retake the province—one that would have threatened the estimated 2.5 millio...
Author : Alexander Decina
09 Sep 2018
Reconceptualising Security: Why Now?
This paper seeks to examine the regional peace and security nexus, with a specific focus on youth. It argues that without human-centric security paradigms with youth at their core, the persistence of state-centric security paradigms will continue to flare anger, yielding further regional instability...
Author : Barik Mhadeen
09 Aug 2018
Syrian Refugee Labour Inclusion Policy In Jordan: Emerging Trends Two Years In
April 2018 marked two years of Jordan’s landmark decision to allow limited working rights to Syrian refugees. This report provides an overview of the progress that has been made, the challenges that remain and the strategies that have been put in place to speed up the pace of Syrian refugee worker i...
Author : Dorsey Lockhart
30 Apr 2018
Syrian Refugee Employment Trends in Jordan and Future Perspectives
This report provides an overview of Syrian refugee employment trends within Jordan and seeks to answer key questions related to the size and configuration of the Syrian labour force, the degree to which Syrians are employed in their preferred sector, the impact of unemployment and sector transfer on...
Author : Shaddin Alhajahmad, Dorsey Lockhart, Katrina Barker
18 Apr 2018
A Region in Motion: Reflections from West Asia-North Africa
The West Asia-North Africa region sits at a complex crossroads where the impacts of chronic conflict, cultural fragmentation, and geopolitical interests collide. It is easy to think of the region’s future in pessimistic terms, yet while conflict and disaster provide a myriad of challenges, they also...
Author : WANA Institute
18 Apr 2018
A Region in Motion: Reflections from West Asia-North Africa
The West Asia-North Africa region sits at a complex crossroads where the impacts of chronic conflict, cultural fragmentation, and geopolitical interests collide. It is easy to think of the region’s future in pessimistic terms, yet while conflict and disaster provide a myriad of challenges, they also...
Author : WANA Institute
18 Apr 2018
A Region in Motion: Reflections from West Asia-North Africa
The West Asia-North Africa region sits at a complex crossroads where the impacts of chronic conflict, cultural fragmentation, and geopolitical interests collide. It is easy to think of the region’s future in pessimistic terms, yet while conflict and disaster provide a myriad of challenges, they also...
Author : WANA Institute
16 Apr 2018
Syrian Refugee Women and the Workforce
The employment of refugee women is a recurrent concern for international organisations and NGOs whose programmes provide protection and basic needs. Refugee women are commonly viewed as more vulnerable and at greater risk of poverty than their male counterparts. In the current context, many have sou...
Author : Dorsey Lockhart, Katrina Barker, Shaddin Alhajahmad
16 Apr 2018
Syrian Refugees and Social Cohesion in Jordan
As the Syrian civil war approaches its eighth year, in Jordan — where there are approximately 516,000 registered Syrians refugees living outside of the camps — observers are increasingly concerned with the relationship between these populations and host communities. Jordan’s February 2016 decision t...
Author : Dorsey Lockhart, Katrina Barker
12 Apr 2018
The Role of Civil Society Organisations in Legislative Reform: Summary
The English version is a summary of the full-lenth publication in Arabic.
Author : WANA Institute
12 Apr 2018
Role of Civil Society Organisations in Promoting Youth Participation in Policy Dialogue: Summary
The English version is a summary of the full-lenth publication in Arabic.
Author : WANA Institute
03 Apr 2018
The Role of Civil Society Organisations in Protecting Human Rights in Jordan: Summary
The English version is a summary of the full-length publication in Arabic.
Author : WANA Institute
03 Apr 2018
Development Priorities from the Perspective of CSOs, Donor Agencies and Government: Summary
The English version is a summary of the full-length publication in Arabic.
Author : WANA Institute
19 Mar 2018
Post-Daesh and Still Desperate: The Ongoing Drivers of Violent Extremism in Jordan, Tunisia, and Lebanon
Despite the military defeat of Daesh, many of the drivers which initially encouraged individuals to join a violent extremist group have not been addressed. Radicalisation does not occur in a vacuum and it has been increasingly shown that individuals adhere to violent extremist ideology because of co...
Author : Alethea Osborne, Dr Neven Bondokji
09 Jan 2018
Social Identity and Radicalisation: A Review of Key Concepts
The growth of violent extremist groups in the West Asia - North Africa (WANA) region has impelled academic and policy interest in radicalisation pathways and their drivers. But while radicalisation models usually incorporate identity-related factors, identity itself is rarely a central focus. To fil...
Author : Leen Aghabi, Kim Wilkinson, Dr Neven Bondokji, Alethea Osborne
25 Dec 2017
From Blades to Brains: A New Battleground
With the recent military defeat of Daesh, the group has lost grip on its Caliphate. What remains, however, is the ideological appeal of joining its cause. In this vein, Preventing/Countering Violent Extremism efforts must be reassessed and restructured to address needs related to countering the ideo...
Author : Nadine Sayegh, Barik Mhadeen, Dr Neven Bondokji
25 Dec 2017
Lessons from State-Sponsored Counter-Narrative Campaigns
Winning the ideological fight against violent extremist groups such as Daesh, requires building and developing counter-narratives capable of fighting an idea with an idea. Since the task of creating counter-narratives is broad, the state often leads the efforts. Therefore, it is beneficial to examin...
Author : Nadine Sayegh, Barik Mhadeen, Dr Neven Bondokji
19 Dec 2017
Engendering Extremism: Gender Equality and Radicalisation in the WANA Region
It has been suggested that 3,000 of the 20,000 foreign fighters who have travelled to join Daesh have been women, and while focus has primarily been upon those who came from the West, women from the WANA region were also drawn to the cause. A discussion about the relationship between gender and viol...
Author : Alethea Osborne
18 Dec 2017
Charter on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism
This charter presents a grounding document for policy-makers, donors, and implementing partners working on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) in Jordan. Various stakeholders are already undertaking valuable P/CVE work in Jordan and this charter acknowledges the importance of that wo...
Author : Dr Neven Bondokji, Alethea Osborne, Nadine Sayegh, Barik Mhadeen
17 Dec 2017
Statistics Brief: Syrian Refugee Employment Trends in Jordan
This statistics brief discusses Syrian refugee employment trends in Jordan based on a survey of 501 Syrian refugees across Amman, Irbid, Mafraq and Zarqa carried out by market research firm IPSOS in August 2017. The survey was designed with the purpose of accurately reflecting the demographic breakd...
Author : Shaddin Alhajahmad, Dorsey Lockhart
27 Nov 2017
A Guidance Note for SDG Implementation in Jordan: Water, Energy, and Climate Change
Jordan faces dire environmental challenges. The country is ranked as having one of the lowest levels of water resource availability in the world. An already difficult situation is being exacerbated by a high influx of refugees and the impacts of climate change. In addition, Jordan is one of the few ...
Author : Lara Nassar
23 Nov 2017
Investment and Business in Jordan to Create Employment: Opportunities and Challenges
This paper lays out the investment and business regulations in Jordan, and highlight the gaps between regulation and practice. The report is based on desk research and interviews with international organisations, lawyers, business owners from Amman, Zarqa, and Irbid, and government officials from th...
Author : Maria Mikadze, Shaddin Alhajahmad
02 Nov 2017
Towards a Unified Human Security and P/CVE Method in Jordan: Challenges and Changes
The threat of violent extremism facing the West Asia-North Africa (WANA) region and beyond has signalled the need for broader and more holistic conceptualisations of the key notions underpinning the phenomenon. To date, governments, donors and practitioners have approached Preventing and Countering ...
Author : Nadine Sayegh, Dr Neven Bondokji
18 Sep 2017
Nine Recommendations to Bolster the Jordan Compact
Since its signing in February 2016, the Jordan Compact has been hailed as an innovative, holistic approach that prioritises development goals in the context of a protracted humanitarian crisis. Yet as the much hoped for growth in exports to Europe — a cornerstone of the agreement — has failed to mat...
Author : Dorsey Lockhart
24 Aug 2017
Journey Mapping of Selected Jordanian Foreign Fighters
Despite significant knowledge around the drivers of radicalisation, little is known about the motivations, influences and/or stressors in play when someone harbouring radical ideology decides to join an extremist group or use violence to express their ideological convictions. Building understanding ...
Author : Dr Neven Bondokji, Dr Erica Harper