Dr. Olli Pekka Suorsa
Dr. Olli Pekka Suorsa
Dr. Jacqueline Ann Grace Sebire
Dr. Kristian Alexander
Dr. John Bruni
Dr. Nils Arne Norlander
Dr. Wan Zokhri Bin Wan Idris
Marcel Plichta 
Dr. Ashley Andrew Rossiter
Dr. John Hatzadony
Dr. John Harrison
Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco
Dr. Kristian Alexander
Dr. Wan Zokhri Bin Wan Idris
Dr. Petros Violakis
Dr. Wan Zokhri Bin Wan Idris
Research & Innovation Director and Interim Dean of Faculty
Interim Manager, Senior Fellow Researcher
Section Manager - Research & Innovation, Assistant Professor
Senior Fellow and Lead Researcher
The Institute conducts a systematic review of the current and emerging security perils facing the region, including conventional and asymmetric threats, such as terrorism, cyberattacks, and weapons proliferation. We also analyse the capabilities, intentions, and objectives of regional actors, such as states, non-state actors, and transnational groups.
Geopolitical research explores the strategic interests of nation-states, as well as the evolving relationships between states and other actors, such as international organisations and non-state actors.
The Institute studies the role of energy in international relations, the politics of energy security, and the economic and security implications of energy dependence.
This area focuses on the human costs of conflict and the potential for ending disagreements through diplomacy, negotiation, and other non-military means.
The Institute studies the potential for cooperation in the Middle East and surrounding areas, including the development of common defence policies, joint training, and exercises, and the sharing of intelligence and military capabilities.
We study digital threats and vulnerabilities, including the risks posed by state-sponsored attacks, cybercriminals, and social-media disinformation.
The Institute researches the nature and scope of extremism in the Middle East, including the evolution of terrorist groups.
This area examines the challenges of maintaining national borders and managing immigration and refugees, including the implications of border policies for national security and human rights.
We research the role of technology in national security and the potential of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and robotics to transform defence capabilities.
We examine the nature of interactions in the region between society and the institutions in charge of its defense. This study includes the role of the military in politics, the effectiveness of civilian oversight and control, and the impact of political instability on the military's role and functions.
We explore the defence readiness of regional actors, including the effectiveness of their policies, strategies, and doctrines.
We examine the potential of the regional security industry to contribute to the development of indigenous capabilities, including the production and acquisition of advanced technologies and systems.
We assess the production of conventional and non-conventional weapons, including nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons. In this field we analyse the role of states, non-state actors, and international organizations in promoting or hindering disarmament efforts.
The Institute conducts a systematic assessment of the risks facing the region, including the likelihood and potential impact of various natural and man-made catastrophes.
In this area of research, we study the readiness of first responders and emergency management agencies, the availability and accessibility of resources, and the effectiveness of communication and coordination mechanisms.
We observe the challenges in the region of recovering from natural catastrophes and the opportunities for rebuilding, including the role of government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector stakeholders in restoring affected communities and infrastructure.
Another focus of the Rabdan Defence and Security Institute is the importance of identifying disaster risks and working with the community to reduce these risks and manage emergencies. This can include an analysis of the effectiveness of current communication and engagement practices.
Dr. Olli Pekka Suorsa
Dr. Jacqueline Ann Grace Sebire
Dr. Kristian Alexander
Dr. John Bruni
Dr. Nils Arne Norlander
Dr. Wan Zokhri Bin Wan Idris
Marcel Plichta
Dr. Ashley Andrew Rossiter
Dr. John Hatzadony
Dr. John Harrison
Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco
Dr. Kristian Alexander
Dr. Wan Zokhri Bin Wan Idris
Dr. Petros Violakis
Dr. Wan Zokhri Bin Wan Idris
