Arts and Culture in the Middle East

Countries in the Middle East face a wide array of challenges in promoting the arts and protecting freedom of expression for artists. RAND's research focuses on policy solutions that may help address these issues and improve the cultural climate for artists and people in the region.

Our Work

Commentary
We're Just Beginning to Grasp the Toll of the Islamic State's Archaeological Looting in Syria
May 15, 2019
Greenland, et al.
During the Islamic State's rise, looted artifacts were said to be a significant source of income for the group. But no one had identified the value, using empirical data and systematic calculations, of the artifacts that were known to exist in Syria's archaeological sites. Until now.
Brochure
Cultural Oasis
May 24, 2016
Arabic-language materials targeted to children can be effective in cultivating a well-educated citizenry open to new ideas and capable of challenging the intolerant ideas of others in the Arab world. By capitalizing on the rich cultural resources already being produced in Arabic, these resources can reinforce tolerance, promote new ideas, and support the development of critical thinking.
Report
Artists and the Arab Uprisings
May 28, 2013
Schwartz, et al.
Although the Arab uprisings lifted some previous barriers to artistic expression, new limitations and challenges have emerged. What are these challenges, and what are the policy shifts that may be necessary to better support regional artists and their work?
Commentary
Repatriating Part of Saddam Statue Could Promote Democracy
Jun 7, 2012
Nemeth
Proactive protection and repatriation of artworks and artifacts can demonstrate our respect for another nation's heritage when the chaos of conflict obscures the value of cultural identity, writes Erik Nemeth.
Multimedia
Nurturing the Arab Spring: What Can Be Done to Remove Existing Barriers to Freedom of Expression in the Arab World?
Jun 13, 2011
In this June 2011 Congressional Briefing, RAND researchers discuss the growing body of creative works produced by Arab authors and artists that counter the intellectual and ideological underpinnings of violent extremism, factors that thwart the distribution of such works, and policy recommendations for overcoming those barriers.
Report
Barriers to the Broad Dissemination of Creative Works in the Arab World
Sep 22, 2009
Schwartz, et al.
Many analysts have examined the media that violent extremists use to communicate their core messages. Far less research, however, has been devoted to the growing body of creative works produced by Arab authors and artists that counter the intellectual and ideological underpinnings of violent extremism.