AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwired - Mar 17, 2014) - Geopolitical intelligence and consulting firm Stratfor today launched a new four-part editorial series focusing on North Africa, a region of the world that has increasingly captured international attention after the Arab Spring movement began there more than three years ago.
Stratfor's series, North Africa Braces for Change, examines significant geopolitical components and current trends within the countries that make up the North African region, including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya.
"Challenges to political stability, regional militancy and changes in energy production from these North African countries can impact not only regional markets, but also international markets and strategic decision making," said Michael Nayebi, North Africa Analyst with Stratfor. "This editorial series defines how Stratfor views North Africa, how the region interacts with its immediate periphery and the rest of the world, and also why North Africa matters to the broader international community."
Stratfor's four-part editorial series begins with a geopolitical framing of North Africa, noting that the Arab Spring did not ignite from this region by accident. Stratfor contends that North Africa's geography and geopolitical limitations placed on the region's capitals prevent North African governments from effectively containing social dissatisfaction and unrest. Subsequent parts in Stratfor's North Africa series will focus on:
- Algeria's upcoming elections and the economic and security problems that lie ahead as the country deals with a looming political transition;
- Libya's historical difficulties in maintaining unity and the significant risks that Libyan instability poses to neighboring countries; and
- Challenges facing Morocco and Tunisia as the countries navigate a shifting and delicate geopolitical balance in the shadow of their larger North African neighbors.
"Though North African states have been, and will remain, largely constrained in their ability to influence the broader Middle East, their proximity to Europe and former European colonial holdings in Africa, and the continued economic and security relationships between these regions, make events in North Africa notable in regional and Western capitals," added Stratfor's Nayebi.
Part one of Stratfor's editorial series, "North Africa: A Cultural Crossroads Faces the Future," can be accessed on the company's website at www.stratfor.com/analysis/north-africa-cultural-crossroads-faces-future.
Video: Watch additional commentary from Stratfor North Africa Analyst Ashley Lindsey here: http://www.stratfor.com/video/series-preview-north-africa-braces-change
About Stratfor
Stratfor is a leading geopolitical intelligence and consulting firm that provides strategic analysis and forecasting to individuals and organizations around the world. By placing global events in a geopolitical framework, the company helps customers and subscribers anticipate opportunities and better understand the broader impact of regional and international developments. Full analysis on global events and more details on the company can be found on Stratfor's website at www.stratfor.com.