Mapping social protection and conflict prevention research about the Middle East and North Africa: a research note

‘Mapping Social Protection and Conflict Prevention Research about the Middle East and North Africa’ (Mapping MENA) employed a bibliometric approach to analyse the structure of Anglophone social protection and conflict prevention research about the MENA region. This research note presents an overview of the project, paying particular attention to (1) the methodological problems and issues the project encountered and (2) illustrative findings. Findings include: the dominance of Western institutions, particularly from the US and UK, in MENA-related scholarship; the existence of regional leaders in knowledge production; and thematic differences between research related to social protection and conflict prevention, with limited integration between the two fields. By identifying key research gaps and structural inequalities, we suggest, the project provides a foundation for future studies and policy interventions that promote a more inclusive and collaborative approach to research about the MENA. Ultimately, Mapping MENA not only uncovered trends in scholarship but also demonstrates the value of open-access methodologies for bibliometric research.