Advisory Board
Dr. Rainer Hermann
Rainer Hermann has written books focusing on Middle Eastern affairs, with topics ranging from the Arab Spring to the socio-political and economic transformations in the Arab world. His works analyze the complexities of the region, its cultural dynamics, and its relations with the West.
About Me
Rainer Hermann is a senior editor and Middle East expert at Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ). With over two decades of experience, he has lived and reported from Turkey and various parts of the Middle East, offering deep insights into the region’s political, economic, and cultural landscapes. He holds an M.A. in Economics and a Ph.D. in Middle Eastern Studies. Hermann has authored several books on topics ranging from the Arab Spring to the rise of the Islamic State, focusing on geopolitical shifts and regional dynamics.
Our Skills
Rainer Hermann’s expertise in economics and politics is multifaceted, particularly in the Middle Eastern context. Economically, he has a strong grasp of the intricate oil-dependent economies of the Gulf states, exploring how wealth distribution, economic diversification, and reforms impact regional stability. His work often addresses how socio-economic disparities fuel political unrest and shape governance challenges. Politically, Hermann delves into state-building efforts, authoritarianism, and democratic movements, particularly following the Arab Spring, while analyzing the role of external powers and geopolitical alliances in the region’s shifting dynamics. He examines how economic hardships contribute to political upheaval, with a focus on state failure and how these failures open the door for extremist movements. Hermann is particularly interested in the long-term economic reforms being undertaken in countries like Saudi Arabia, as well as how these reforms intersect with broader political goals, such as curbing extremist influence or enhancing regional security cooperation. His analysis also includes the role of international institutions, foreign investments, and trade relations with Western countries in shaping the Middle East’s political economy.
