Horn of Africa Institute

HAI Publications

Research for a region in motion

Original scholarship, developing research, practical policy guidance, and timely analysis on the Horn of Africa, Red Sea, and Gulf.

Featured publication

HAI CommentaryHAI-CM-2026-18

Revised August 11, 2026

Maritime disruption is linking Gulf deterrence, Horn of Africa access, energy infrastructure, and regional defense cooperation in a layered strategic field.

Abdul Ahmed

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Publication series

Five forms of analysis, each with a distinct purpose

HAI assigns each publication to a series according to the Institute’s publication criteria, including its purpose, form of contribution, analytical scope, evidentiary and methodological requirements, intended audience, and use.

01

Completed research

HAI Research Papers

Completed, evidence-based studies that advance a sustained original argument through transparent methods and documented sources.

  1. 🔒The Political Economy of Red Sea Ports: Investment, Infrastructure, and Regional Authority
  2. 🔒Maritime Security and Regional Order in the Red Sea, 2000–2026
  3. 🔒Gulf Investment and Economic Transformation in the Horn of Africa
  4. 🔒State Capacity, Conflict, and Institutional Change in the Horn of Africa

02

Developing research

HAI Working Papers

Preliminary findings, datasets, measures, and comparative frameworks released for scholarly discussion and further development.

  1. 🔒Mapping Gulf Investment in the Horn of Africa: Actors, Sectors, and Geographic Patterns
  2. 🔒Ports, Corridors, and Regional Connectivity in the Horn of Africa: A Comparative Framework
  3. 🔒Measuring State Capacity in Conflict-Affected Horn of Africa Countries: Concepts, Indicators, and Data Constraints
  4. 🔒External Security Partnerships and Institutional Authority in the Red Sea Region
  5. 🔒Puntland’s Campaign Against ISIS: Security Operations, Institutional Capacity, and Regional Implications

03

Policy guidance

HAI Policy Briefs

Concise assessments of policy choices, responsible actors, implementation constraints, and strategic consequences.

  1. 🔒Securing Red Sea Shipping: Policy Options for Regional Coordination and Escalation Control
  2. 🔒Governing Gulf Investment in the Horn of Africa: Transparency, Local Benefits, and Institutional Capacity
  3. 🔒Strengthening Port and Corridor Governance in the Horn of Africa
  4. 🔒Supporting Puntland’s Campaign Against ISIS: Priorities for Security Assistance and Civilian Protection
  5. 🔒Responding to Sudan’s Regional Spillovers: Humanitarian Access, Border Stability, and Red Sea Security

04

Timely analysis

HAI Commentary

Concise, evidence-based interpretation of regional developments, emerging issues, and public debates.

🔓HAI-CM-2018-29 · November 25, 2018The Proposed Horn of Africa Economic Integration: Political Economy and the Problem of SequencingAbdul Ahmed 🔓HAI-CM-2025-25 · June 25, 2025Puntland’s War Against ISIS and the Next Test Against al-ShabaabAbdul Ahmed
🔒What to Watch as Regional Powers Reassess Their Horn of Africa Strategies
🔓HAI-CM-2025-22 · December 10, 2025Toward a Gulf-Horn Partnership: Opportunities, Institutional Constraints, and Political RisksAbdul Ahmed
🔒Why Competition over Red Sea Ports Has Become a Regional Power Contest
🔓HAI-CM-2026-18 · Revised August 11, 2026How Renewed Red Sea Insecurity Is Reshaping Regional AlignmentsAbdul Ahmed
🔒Sudan’s Worsening Crisis: Regional Consequences and the Limits of International Response

05

Quantitative and Analytical reporting

HAI Special Reports

Integrated empirical assessments that develop comparative measures, track regional trends, and provide authoritative analysis of priority regional issues.

  1. 🔒Regional Security Cooperation ReportInstitutionalization Index and Comparative Measures
  2. 🔒Red Sea Maritime Security ReportSecurity Index and Regional Trends