Analyzing the influence of regional security on international student flows in the MENA region: a social network approach

The international order has shifted from unipolar to multipolar, marked by international organizations, security alliances, and economic cooperation. This change is mirrored in international student mobility (ISM), with a shift towards a multipolar structure and the emergence of regional hubs alongside traditional destinations. While ISM scholarship often focuses on East-West and South-North flows, this study employs regional security complex theory (RSCT) to analyze intra-regional patterns in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Using social network analysis, we compare ISM data from 2011 and 2020, revealing that MENA is far from achieving full regionalization. Sub-regions with divergent security dynamics shape ISM by creating regional education complexes based on allied or adversarial relations. The findings highlight Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco as influential hubs, reflecting distinct security zones where higher education serves as a strategic tool for alliance-building. Türkiye attracts students from the Middle East, Africa, and Turkic nations, while Morocco emerges as a hub for African and European ISM. The results contribute to the advancement of regionalization theory, underscoring the importance of considering regional security complexes when analyzing ISM trends across diverse geopolitical contexts. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers and stakeholders in promoting cross-border educational cooperation in MENA.