Near East Institute

The Near East Institute (NEI) was established in 2013 under the auspices of the Near East University to carry out research-driven activities in a wide range of political, social and geostrategic issues supported by the expertise of the University’s researchers. The mission of the Institute is to advance a scientific and dispassionate understanding of political, social and geostrategic issues that are of relevance to Cyprus and the wider Near East region.

Activities of the Institute include: Consulting public and private stakeholders on a range of issues including areas of public policy, diplomacy and society with a particular focus on the Near East region;

Bringing together researchers with policy-makers, practicioners and other opinion-formers from Cyprus and the rest of the World in regular seminar series, conferences as well as specialised workshops and round table discussions.

NEI produces a good number of publications throughout the year – from opinion pieces, policy briefs and research reports to full-length edited volumes – to disseminate its research widely in Cyprus and around the world. Institute researchers provide “instant analysis” of contemporary, pressing events as well as long-range assesments of specific policy areas and present their findings at prestigious conferences around the globe. NEI scholars and associates also appear on local and national media on a regular basis and are frequently asked to contribute to op-ed pages of major newspapers.


Our researchers tackle a range of specific topics and issues within international affairs, including:

  • Cybersecurity
  • Democracy and Political Participation
  • Energy Transitions
  • European Union (EU)
  • Foreign Policy (Turkey, Middle East and Central Asia)
  • International Security
  • Peace and Conflict
  • Public Diplomacy
  • Refugees and Migration
  • Trade and Globalization

Click here to access the Near East Institute page.