Main goals

• The pursuit of theoretically informed and methodologically rigorous inquiry into the forces shaping politics, economy, and society in the contemporary Arabo-Islamic world.
• Advancing knowledge about, and understanding of, the social and political challenges faced and posed by Muslim communities in Europe.
• Promoting scholarly publication of research related to these themes, both through MENARG sponsored publications, and via the contributions of MENARG affiliated researchers to the scientific literature.
• The translation of specialist knowledge and theoretical insight into practical policy recommendations, as well as into policy tools for governmental and non-governmental organizations.
• The design of courses within the social sciences curriculum of Ghent University, and the development of educational materials and programs for the general public.
• Promoting more informed public understanding of salient issues through public seminars, speaking engagements, and contributions to the media.
• Strengthening individual and institutional capacities for political and social research into the MENA region.