Opportunities and avenues for a cooperative dialogue between Switzerland and Maghreb States in the field of security governance

• Research unit: DIS
• Project number: 2003EDA05

Key words (English)

Security governance Maghreb states

Short description (English)

Developing its security-cooperation with Maghreb States becomes increasingly important for Switzerland. Such an endeavour represents also a challenge, considering that multilateral undertakings (such as the Barcelona process) are presently frozen.

The deliverables of this project (to be undertaken by the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP)) are:
- perparatory outline of a basic paper by GCSP setting up the substance of the first meeting of the Working Group
- 1st Workshop of the Working Group with a discussion and agreement on the basic paper
- Working papers on the concerned countries (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya) outlining needs, methodology and topical approach of a possible co-operation and thematic papers submitted by members of the working group.
- 2nd workshop with the presentations of the working papers and a discussion on common aspects and differences ans well as on recommendations for the Swiss MFA - conclusions.
- roadmap for the implementation of the recommendations
- final study

Project aims (English)

- work out a pragmatic and project-oriented approach enabling Switzerland to develop its security co-operation with Maghreb states
- further the understanding of the security challenges that Maghreb states face
- identify appropriate partners and thematic niches making possible a credible Swiss engagement in North Africa
- formulate a concrete methodology for a co-operative approach.

Abstract (English)

For further information, please contact the Centre for international security policy at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Berne

Transfer and application (English)

To be used by all interested parties within the Swiss department of foreign affairs