About us
The Council on Middle East Relations (TCMER) is a nongovernmental, independent and non-partisan organization whose mission is to contribute to Australia’s understanding of the political, economic and cultural issues that affect our interests in the Middle East and North Africa. TCMER is dedicated to providing expert research and analysis of the social, economic, and political dimensions of the Arab States and how they impact domestic and foreign policy.
CMER focus on issues ranging from politics and security to economics, trade, and business; from social dynamics to civil society and culture. The Council on Middle East Relations engages in a wide variety of activities, including:
- Promoting independent research on the Middle East and North Africa;
- Fostering debate about the politics, societies and economics of the region;
- Disseminating knowledge about the Middle East through Council’s events, publications and digital resources;
- Providing a rich research environment for scholars and students;
- Establishing and cultivating ties with researchers in Middle East and international institutions.
Through programs, publications, and scholarly exchanges the Council seeks to encourage thoughtful debate and inform the Australian policy community, businesses and civil societies regarding this critical geo-strategic region. This make for strong and informed voices in Parliament providing leadership on some of our top international priorities.
Our Methodology Approach
CMER employs empirical data modelling and scholarly methodologies in its strategic analyses, developing forecasts and corresponding strategies using a network of specialized methods, experts and software.
Advocacy
TCMER uses its research findings and analysis to develop targeted advocacy strategies rooted in the principle that political, security, military, economic and social issues go hand in hand. We monitor developments in the policymaking landscape throughout Australia and elsewhere; identifies key stakeholders on relevant policies; and delivers our findings and recommendations to them directly.
Events
The Council holds a number of additional seminars and symposia each year, bringing together renowned regional and international scholars and experts with its own in-house analysts.
Structure
TCMER is governed by a board whose members are elected for a two-year term, and are active in public policy formation and provide guidance to The Council.
Media
TCMER aims to deliver content and messages by collaborating with media outlets. Authentic, updated, and documented information will be provided to all media outlets to allow for greater access to news, opinions, and feedback on current affairs affecting both Australia and the Middle East and North Africa.
Publications
TCMER publishes various papers based on its interests, including strategic analyses of conflicts and crises; policy papers, analyses and alerts; and both background and position papers. We also publish the quarterly journal the CMER Middle East Report.
CMER Middle East Report
The CMER Middle East Report provides news and perspectives about the Middle East and North Africa not available from mainstream news sources. Understanding of the Middle East in Australia, the USA and Europe is limited and plagued by stereotypes and misconceptions. The CMER Middle East Report successfully addresses these limitations by addressing a broad range of social, political and cultural issues, and by soliciting writings and views from authors from the Middle East not often read in the West.
Membership
Membership in the Council of Middle East Relations is an invitation to build valuable, lasting relationships with counterparts and key leaders in the Middle East and North Africa. Through a deep and growing network of partners and global friends, CMER offers members access to unique environments for the exchange of ideas and true connection.
About Our Founder
Arthur Tane - Founder & Executive Director of TCMER
Arthur Tane is the founder and Executive Director of the Canberra-based The Council on Middle East Relations (TCMER).
In addition to having 15 years of experience working on issues of democracy, rule of law, human rights, and security in the Middle East and North Africa region, he is also an editor and political commentator. He is a frequent author of many Middle Eastern & Islamic titles annually, including the Encyclopaedia of Islam and the Islamic World.
Besides his naïve English language, he is fluent in fluent in several languages and holds a B.A., B.Ed.St, and M.Ed.St. He is also the Director of several companies.
- GPO Box 1885
- Canberra, ACT 2601
- Australia
Email: info@thecmer.org