Public Governance Series

The 6th Volume of the IIAS Public Governance Series, titled Governance Cooperation in a Conflict-Ridden Context: The Case of the GIFT-MENA Network, offers an in-depth institutional analysis of the GIFT-MENA network and its efforts to foster regional cooperation in governance and public financial management in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Authored by Lamia El Moubayed Bissat, Sabine Hatem Khalil, and Carl Rihan, and prefaced by Michiel S. de Vries, the book examines the complex challenges faced by the network in its attempt to build a sustainable platform for South-South cooperation amidst a volatile geopolitical landscape.

The book delves into the early years of the GIFT-MENA network, exploring its ambitious goals of state modernization and good governance through collaborative training, research, and technical assistance. These efforts were heavily dependent on donor financing, and the volume highlights the successes of the network in creating a community of practice across MENA’s public sector institutions.

Additionally, the book's later chapters address the impact of the Arab Spring and its aftermath, exploring how shifts in donor priorities and the political instability of the region led to a standstill in the network's operations. The authors provide valuable recommendations for future pan-Arab initiatives, stressing the need for resilience and adaptability in designing governance networks that can navigate periods of crisis and change.

This volume offers an essential resource for policymakers, public service leaders, and academics interested in the dynamics of regional cooperation in the MENA region and beyond, providing key lessons for future governance initiatives in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.

The e-book is available for free at the link below, and the paperback version can be purchased via Amazon.