Mission and objectives

The GIGA German Institute for Global and Area Studies is a Hamburg-based research institute focused on political, economic and social developments in Africa, Asia, Latin America, North Africa, and the Middle East.

Through a unique combination of area and comparative area studies, the GIGA examines not only the issues and challenges facing these specific regions but also new developments in North-South and South-South relationships.

The GIGA is the largest German research institute for area and comparative area studies. It is also among the largest in Europe. In 2009 the GIGA opened its Berlin Office.

The GIGA Institute for Middle East Studies (GIGA IMES)
· Uses local documentation to produce empirically and theoretically based analyses of country- and region-specific events, while taking into account the perspective/s of the region under examination.
· Develops new questions for the politically relevant evaluation of the political systems, societies and economies of the Middle East.
· Provides analysis and decision-making support to interested parties, both public and private, through its various research publications