Consulting, Capacity, and Control: Perspectives on Foreign Consultants in Arab Public Policy

Call for Contributions

The Arab-German Young Academy of Sciences and Humanities (AGYA) and the Majan Council invite contributions to a new interdisciplinary report analysing the immense role of foreign consultancies in public governance and development across the Arab region. It critically examines the origins, patterns, and consequences of consultancy engagement in Arab public sectors and offers strategic recommendations for strengthening homegrown expertise and local institutions. The research project is conducted and funded by AGYA and coordinated by the Majan Council.

Thematic Scope

Contributions are sought from all relevant disciplines, including political science, economics, sociology, law, engineering, psychology, history, and others. Proposed topics may address the following areas:

  • Historical Roots and Origins of Foreign Consulting in the Middle East (e.g. from the colonial era to the late 20th century; emergence of technical assistance regimes)
  • Political Economy of Consultancy Reliance (budgetary impacts, secrecy, elite preferences, procurement incentives, etc.)
  • Behavioural and Psychological Perspectives (motivations and personality profiles of consultants; trust and legitimacy in outsourced policymaking)
  • Empirical Case Studies (national and sectoral examples from across the Arab world — e.g. education, infrastructure, healthcare, digital governance)
  • Consultancies in Environmental and Climate Policy (outsourced sustainability strategies, donor-driven green roadmaps, greenwashing risks)
  • Legal, Ethical, and Governance Questions (data sovereignty, accountability)
  • Comparative Reflections (how other regions – particularly Germany – have approached the consultant-state nexus)

Other topics not listed here but clearly connected to the overarching issue are equally welcome

Report Format and Publication Plans

The report will be published in English and Arabic and presented at a regional policy forum in early 2026. It will be publicly accessible and designed to reach both academic and policymaking audiences.
Contributors will receive editorial and research assistance throughout the writing process. A pool of research assistants is available to support authors with background research. In addition to the report, further academic publication formats – such as journal special issues, edited volumes, or overview papers – are under consideration and may follow at a later stage.

Members in Charge:

Members of the AGYA Working Group Dynamics of Transformation

Alamin Prodhania
Alamin Prodhania

Contribution Guidelines

We welcome contributions that meet the following general criteria:

  • Length: 2,500–4,000 words (flexible depending on approach)
  • Language: English (Arabic translation provided)
  • Style: Accessible and rigorous; suitable for both researchers and decision-makers; essayist, case-based, or academic styles are welcome as long as they maintain analytical rigour
  • Methodologies: Theoretical, empirical, or practice-based contributions are all welcome
  • Authorship: Individual or co-authored contributions permitted
  • Research support available: Contributors can request background research assistance from our RA pool

Timeline and Submission Process

Key dates and submission details are outlined below:

  • Abstracts due: 12 October 2025 (max. 200 words; include title and short bio of author[s]; submit as PDF or in email body)
     
  • First drafts due: Early December 2025
     
  • Submission: Abstracts should be sent to the editorial team of the AGYA Working Group members at: mahmoud.alshadadi(at)majancouncil.org
     

Full Text of the Call

Cooperation partners

Majan Council for Foresight, Strategic Affairs, and Energy (Muscat, Oman)