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TRENDS, IFRI, and CEP explore cooperation, extremism, and African affairs at Paris International Book Fair 2024 in two discussion sessions

15 Apr 2024

TRENDS, IFRI, and CEP explore cooperation, extremism, and African affairs at Paris International Book Fair 2024 in two discussion sessions

15 Apr 2024

TRENDS Research & Advisory researchers, as part of their European tour made a stop in France, where they convened with the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI) and the Center for European Policy in France (CEP) to delve into research collaboration and extremism-related issues. The two discussions, held on the sidelines of the Paris International Book Fair 2024, also addressed significant African topics. TRENDS and IFRI Confront Extremism In the inaugural panel discussion, researchers and experts from TRENDS and IFRI convened to address the peril posed by extremist groups to societies and nations, alongside the potential for collaborative research on these pressing issues.   Led by Dr. Mohammad Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, researchers presented their global vision and ongoing research initiatives, particularly in combating extremist ideologies and anticipating future events. Notably, they outlined the forthcoming launch of the “Muslim Brotherhood Global Influence Index” at the Paris International Book Fair 2024, providing a comprehensive analysis of the Muslim Brotherhood’s power and impact across the world. Dr. Mark Hecker, Deputy Director of IFRI, along with Ms. Dorothy Schmid, Research Head of the Turkey-Middle East Program, highlighted the threat posed by jihadist groups, referencing the TRENDS’ translated and published work, “The Twenty-Year War: Jihadism and Counterterrorism in the 21st Century”.  Dr. Hecker underscored the necessity of research collaboration in dismantling jihadist ideologies and combating extremism.   Dr. Hamad Al Kaabi, CEO of Alettihad News Center and Chief Editor of Al Ittihad newspaper, underscored the crucial need to bolster collaboration between media and scientific research institutions, particularly in combatting the menace posed by jihadist groups. During the TRENDS delegation’s visit to the IFRI headquarters, with the presence of two UAE students from Sorbonne University, Dr. Al Kaabi highlighted the pivotal role of media in raising awareness about extremist dangers, nurturing dialogue and tolerance, and supporting global antiterrorism initiatives. He advocated for harnessing scientific research to craft impactful media strategies in countering extremist ideologies. Additionally, discussions between TRENDS and IFRI delved into African affairs and potential avenues for collaborative ventures, with both parties expressing intent to formalize their partnership through a cooperation agreement. TRENDS and CEP Discuss Collaboration Prospects TRENDS researchers engaged with their counterparts at the Center for European Policy in France (CEP) in the second panel discussion, to explore avenues for enhancing research and knowledge collaboration. Both parties offered insights into their respective work domains and potential areas for cooperation.   CEP economist Victor Warem presented the Center’s perspective on various issues, particularly focusing on economic aspects. The panel underscored the pivotal role of research and think tanks in analyzing and predicting events, emphasizing the significance of sharing experiences. It was mutually agreed to maintain communication to develop an action plan for cooperation, encompassing research domains, experience and information exchange, collaborative project implementation, hosting conferences and seminars, and publishing research and studies.   Reflecting on the two panel discussions, Dr. Mohammad Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, highlighted that the global dialogue initiated by TRENDS along with its ongoing tour in France, as well as its active engagement in the Paris International Book Fair 2024 are part of the Center’s tireless efforts to bolster cooperation and knowledge exchange. Dr. Al-Ali emphasized TRENDS’ extensive experience across multiple research fields and its aspiration to collaborate with leading international institutions to establish new partnerships, strengthening its global influence, and reaffirming its role as a universal research hub that forecasts events and shapes future narratives through knowledge.