ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

Experts and authors from TRENDS Research & Advisory unveiled three new publications at the 2024 Sharjah International Book Fair, exploring critical global issues and contemporary crises. The book signing events, held at the book signing corner, were part of the TRENDS’ programme of events and activities at the 43rd edition of the book fair.

The new publications include “Think Tanks in a Changing World: Shifts, Roles, and Challenges”, by Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory; “The Growing Role of Private Military Companies: Blackwater and Wagner as Case Studies”, by Mohammed Khalfan Al-Sawafi, an international relations specialist; and the Arabic edition of the “Muslim Brotherhood International Power Index 2022-2023”, signed by Dr. Wael Saleh, an expert at TRENDS.

Dr. Al-Ali’s book explored the evolving role of think tanks, emphasising their growing influence in linking research with policy. 

Dr. Al-Ali examines how think tanks help decision-makers navigate high-stakes, uncertain environments and educate the public on complex political issues. His work also highlights how think tanks strengthen national governance, foster international cooperation, and bolster soft power. The book traces the origins and evolution of think tanks, analyses their changing approaches and strategies in a world of uncertainty, examines their role in shaping public policy, and explores the challenges they face in conducting their missions.

Al-Sawafi’s book investigates major developments in international security issues and the ascent of private military and security firms as influential players in global security. Al-Sawafi addresses how these companies, once peripheral, now hold considerable sway in a domain historically dominated by state actors.

Through an analysis of Blackwater and Wagner, he explores these companies’ origins, operations, and the shifting dynamics they bring to international security. His book also examines the implications of private military companies under international humanitarian law and efforts to regulate their activities.

Dr. Wael Saleh introduced the Arabic edition of the “Muslim Brotherhood International Power Index 2022-2023”, which provides an honest and objective analysis of the group’s influence on a global scale.

The index, which Dr. Saleh describes as the only one of its kind, evaluates the Muslim Brotherhood’s reach across regions and forecasts its potential future impact. This work addresses the need for early indicators that assess the current and prospective strength of the organisation, providing a unique tool for understanding the geopolitical influence of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Al-Sawafi’s book investigates major developments in international security issues and the ascent of private military and security firms
Dr. Al-Ali examines how think tanks help decision-makers navigate high-stakes, uncertain environments and educate the public
Saleh introduced the Arabic edition of the ‘Muslim Brotherhood International Power Index 2022-2023’.