About the Forum for Foreign Relations

In a world saturated with intellectual debate, a critical gap remains—the failure to translate analysis into action and to engage the broader public and political leadership in meaningful ways. The Forum for Foreign Relations (FFR)was established to bridge this divide, ensuring that policy discussions and research findings do not remain in the academic sphere but shape public discourse, influence decision-making, and drive strategic outcomes.

At the heart of our work lies an unwavering commitment to democracy, the rule of law, security, and the sovereignty of states. These principles are not mere ideals—they are the bedrock of stability and progress. We challenge those who undermine these values, particularly radical actors and authoritarian regimes in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) that exploit instability to further their agendas of oppression, sectarianism, and destruction.

FFR does not measure its success solely by the depth of its research but by its ability to turn analysis into impact. We ensure that our work reaches policymakers, the media, and the public, fostering a well-informed society capable of resisting extremist narratives and foreign interference. Through direct engagement with decision-makers, digital outreach, and strategic events, we ensure that our insights do not merely exist in reports but influence the policies that shape our world.

Our approach is multi-dimensional, combining traditional and digital media, research publications, high-level briefings, and public awareness campaigns to drive meaningful conversations and inform real-world strategies. From geopolitical analyses to counter-extremism initiatives, FFR operates at the intersection of policy, security, and public diplomacy.

The Middle East is at a crossroads, facing a profound struggle between forces of progress and forces of chaos. The Islamic Republic of Iran stands as the primary destabilising force in the region, using proxy militias, sectarian warfare, and economic coercion to undermine Arab sovereignty and regional security.

Through its support for armed groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and various paramilitary factions in Iraq and Syria, Iran has turned large swathes of the region into battlegrounds, weakening legitimate governments, destabilising economies, and perpetuating cycles of violence. This malign influence has not only crippled nations like Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq but has also threatened key Western allies, including the Gulf states and Israel.

Iran’s strategic objective is clear: to expand its ideological and military influence while weakening Arab states that challenge its hegemony. From funding insurgencies to manipulating sectarian divides, Tehran’s aggression represents an existential threat to regional peace and economic development.

Alongside Iranian expansionism, the Muslim Brotherhood remains a major destabilising force across the Arab world, exploiting democratic systems to advance an authoritarian Islamist agenda. Operating under the guise of civil society and political activism, the Brotherhood infiltrates institutions, spreads radical ideology, and undermines secular governance.

Despite its well-documented ties to extremism, the Brotherhood continues to enjoy political and financial backing in certain Western circles, presenting itself as a legitimate force for social change while simultaneously cultivating networks that support jihadist movements. Its influence in Europe—through affiliated organisations and lobbying groups—has facilitated the spread of radicalism under the protection of democratic freedoms.

If left unchecked, the Brotherhood’s penetration of political systems, charities, and media outlets will further entrench extremism, erode state authority, and create environments where radicalisation thrives. The time has come for a coordinated international effort to disrupt the Brotherhood’s networks, expose its agenda, and prevent its ideological infiltration into vulnerable communities.

As the West grapples with the immediate threats of terrorism, extremism, and state-sponsored destabilisation, China is quietly expanding its influence in the Middle East and North Africa. Through infrastructure projects, strategic investments, and military cooperation, Beijing is positioning itself as a dominant power in the region, leveraging economic dependency and diplomatic ambiguity to serve its broader geopolitical goals.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has created financial entanglements that limit the sovereignty of Arab states, binding them to Chinese debt, technological reliance, and political concessions. Meanwhile, Beijing’s alliances with Iran and authoritarian regimes offer tacit support to anti-Western agendas, undermining global efforts to contain extremism and promote democracy.

To counter this growing influence, Arab nations must strengthen their alliances with the UK, the US, and their Western partners. Investing in regional economic independence, securing alternative trade routes, and reinforcing military and intelligence cooperation is key to ensuring that China does not gain an outsized strategic hold over the region.

The Forum for Foreign Relations exists to challenge these threats, uphold democratic values, and ensure that the MENA region does not fall prey to foreign manipulation or extremist ideologies. Our mission is clear:

• Expose and counter Iranian aggression in the region.
• Dismantle the Muslim Brotherhood’s influence in Arab and Western societies.
• Support Arab states in their efforts to resist extremism and foreign interference.
• Strengthen UK-Gulf cooperation to foster economic security and regional stability.

The battle for the future of the Middle East will not be won on the battlefield alone—it requires a comprehensive strategy that addresses political, economic, and ideological threats. The Arab world must reclaim its sovereignty, protect its institutions, and reject the forces that seek to divide and destabilise it.

The time for action is now. The future of the region depends on those who have the courage to defend it.