TRENDS Global held a dialogue session with the Henry Jackson Society as part of the first part of the Sixth Annual Forum on Political Islam in London. The session explored prospects for cooperation and the role of think tanks in supporting international dialogue, producing knowledge, understanding global transformations, and addressing intellectual and security challenges.
The session also discussed both sides’ experiences in countering extremism and promoting the values of moderation, as well as the role of religious, cultural, and intellectual institutions in fostering mutual understanding and countering narratives that fuel division and hatred
The session featured a discussion on the importance of building knowledge bridges between research institutions and international think tanks, exchanging expertise and perspectives, and exploring opportunities to launch joint projects and studies on international issues of mutual interest.
Awadh Al-Breiki, General Manager of TRENDS Global, stressed that the partnership with the Henry Jackson Society reflects TRENDS’ belief in the importance of open intellectual dialogue, noting that cooperation between research institutions extends beyond knowledge exchange to developing perspectives and solutions that help decision-makers and societies address future challenges.
Dr. Alan Mendoza, Executive Director of the Henry Jackson Society, underlined the importance of cooperation with TRENDS, noting that dialogue between intellectual institutions is a key pillar for enhancing mutual understanding and developing shared approaches to global challenges.
“Cooperation with TRENDS represents an important opportunity to strengthen dialogue between intellectual institutions in Britain and the region and to exchange expertise and ideas on issues of security, foreign policy, and extremism. We believe that dialogue based on research and knowledge can contribute to building a deeper understanding of shared challenges and open the way for new research and intellectual initiatives,” he said.
MoU to Strengthen Research Cooperation
As part of efforts to strengthen their institutional partnership, TRENDS Global and the Henry Jackson Society signed a memorandum of understanding in London to open broader prospects for cooperation, exchange expertise and knowledge, and develop joint research initiatives and programs.
The memorandum aims to produce joint studies and research that deepen scholarly understanding of the challenges associated with the threat of political Islam and its repercussions, and to develop research approaches for analyzing the intellectual and organizational phenomena associated with it. It also seeks to facilitate the exchange of expertise and support efforts to counter extremism and promote the values of moderation, coexistence, and stability.
Panel Discussion
On another front, TRENDS Research & Advisory held a panel discussion at the British House of Lords in London with Sir Oliver Dowden, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the UAE in the UK Parliament, ahead of the expanded dialogue session held as part of the 6th TRENDS Annual Forum on Political Islam.
The discussion addressed the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood, its threat to European security, and the necessary steps required to ban such extremist groups. It also highlighted the pivotal role played by TRENDS—through its studies, research encyclopedia, and international influence index on the Muslim Brotherhood—in exposing the falsity of these groups and raising awareness about their threats to regional and international stability.
Furthermore, the panel emphasized the vital role of research centers and the importance of international cooperation in building comprehensive, preventive strategies. These strategies must begin with intellectual counter-engagement and financial transparency, rather than relying solely on traditional security responses.
The forum now moves from Westminster to the French Senate, where its second part will examine legislative responses, research cooperation and measures to counter Brotherhood-linked networks while protecting religious freedom and equal citizenship.
