The aim of the research center is in accordance with the priorities of the Hungarian migration and development policy:
- competitive research in international comparisons of the region;
- postgraduate interdisciplinary professional training;
- attitude formation and transfer of practical knowledge.
The Hungarian government faces new challenges related to migration, such as supporting development policy and migration, mapping the effects of climate change, interpreting civilizational and interreligious conflicts, building strategic partnerships, strengthening and maintaining bilateral economic relations and economic cooperation, and supporting development, addressing European think tanks and academic (university) circles, our institution provides the answers to these questions.
The researches target the whole of the African continent (Maghreb region and Egypt; Sahara, Sub-Saharan Africa – Western, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa).
Areas of activity of the research institute:
- as a core activity: the preparation of theoretical research, background studies, thematic studies and (country) brochures for the university and other scientific workshops, as well as (upon request) governmental and non-governmental bodies and economic bodies;
- preparation of study volumes in Hungarian and English prepared on a scientific basis, organization of thematic conferences, which are also open to governmental organizations and other educational institutions;
- appearance in Hungarian and international scientific public life, higher education and academic research: by preparing and publishing publications, implementing joint tenders; close liaison with foreign scientific organizations.
Six pillars of the research institute:
- Politics (conflicts, zones of influence), history (premodern age, modernity – colonization: spheres of interest, formation of zones of influence, 20th-21st centuries: “independent” state formations, armed conflicts, economic (military, political) presence of Hungary (V4) and interests)
- Economy of the region (by regions)
- Social knowledge (ethnic and religious fault lines, social structures, division)
- Migration trends and development policy
- Cultural life, traditions and anthropology of the regions
- Language courses – knowledge of local languages (Swahili, Arabic), intercultural communication (negotiation techniques)
Research projects
- Geopolitical-country profile project:
- countries of the Maghreb region;
- countries / regions of sub-Saharan Africa.
- Hungary-Africa relations project:
- commercial, economic, development, industrial, agricultural, technical research;
- the effects of African migration on Hungary, security policy aspects.
- Migration to and from Africa project:
- lessons learned from the migrant crisis so far;
- issue and operation of refugee camps, humanitarian activities, humanitarian operations management;
- possible aspects of different forms and management of migration;
- security policy aspects of migration.
- Critical infrastructure protection research and cooperation project in Africa:
- food and water safety;
- agricultural developments, settlement development;
- technical background for agriculture, industry, healthcare.
- Sustainable Africa project:
- food and water safety;
- agricultural developments, settlement development;
- technical background for agriculture, industry, healthcare.
- Terrorism and radicalization in Africa project:
- identification of African terrorist and breakaway organizations;
- defense against new forms of terrorism;
- radicalization and deradicalization;
- political Islam as a security policy factor (Middle Eastern roots and modes of transmission in Africa, changes in Sunni, Shiite and tribal differences, oil interests and arms trade, proxy wars).