The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is one of the most dynamic regions for global business, where a new economic and political architecture is taking shape and traditional rules of engagement with governments are rapidly losing relevance.

In the article Natasha Sheiko, Partner at Kesarev, offers a structured guide to Government Relations in the MENA region. She examines how the region’s post-Western governance model is evolving and identifies the real centers of influence shaping regulatory and political decision-making.

The article explores:

• how the post-Western political and economic architecture of MENA is being formed and who drives it;
• how Egypt, Iran, and Turkey are developing distinct models of resilience — from military-industrial frameworks to technological autonomy;
• what risks and opportunities arise from the region’s unique governance culture;
• why conventional GR instruments often fail in MENA and how companies can adapt their strategies to real, rather than declared, power dynamics.

The piece provides practical insights for companies seeking to build effective and sustainable Government Relations strategies across key MENA markets.