Shaimaa Oleba Earns a Master’s Degree in Political Science with a Strategic Study on Economic Blocs and Egyptian National Security
- Oct 12, 2025
- 3 min read
A strategic academic milestone connecting industry, international economics, geopolitical shifts, economic blocs, global growth, and Egyptian national security through a study on the impact of international economic blocs on global economic growth and Egypt’s national security.
Researcher Shaimaa Oleba, Board Member of the Chamber of Engineering Industries at the Federation of Egyptian Industries, earned a Master’s degree in Political Science from the Military Academy for Graduate and Strategic Studies and Scientific Research, with a thesis titled: “The Impact of International Economic Blocs on Global Economic Growth and Its Implications for Egyptian National Security.”
This achievement represents an important milestone in a professional and academic journey that combines practical experience in industry, export development, business development, international partnerships, and institutional work with academic specialization in political science, international economics, international relations, and strategic studies.
The thesis was not a purely theoretical study detached from reality; rather, it was an applied strategic analysis grounded in real market exposure, industrial engagement, cross-border partnerships, and a practical understanding of how international economic shifts affect development, industry, investment, and national security.
The examination committee included distinguished academic and institutional figures, including Major General Dr. Mohamed El-Desouky, Assistant Director of the Military Academy for Graduate and Strategic Studies and Scientific Research and Chairman of the examination committee; Major General Essam El-Naggar, Chairman of the General Organization for Export and Import Control; and Dr. Sally Farid, Professor of Economics and Head of the Economics Department at the Faculty of African Postgraduate Studies, Cairo University.
The study combined rigorous academic analysis with a practical applied approach, examining 22 international, continental, and regional economic blocs. It reviewed major models of economic integration, including BRICS, the European Union, COMESA, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and other emerging blocs reshaping the global economic order.
The study focused on the blocs in which Egypt is actively engaged, analyzing Egypt’s position within them and highlighting the importance of deepening Arab-African cooperation as a key pillar of Egyptian influence, regional integration, trade expansion, investment flows, industrial cooperation, and energy connectivity.
During the presentation, Shaimaa Oleba emphasized that the world is undergoing a major restructuring of power balances, and that economic blocs are no longer merely trade arrangements. They have become one of the primary tools of influence for major powers, shaping supply chains, technology flows, finance, trade, investment, and strategic positioning.
She explained that Egypt is no longer on the sidelines of global transformations. Instead, it has become an active player and a recognized voice in international platforms through its memberships and partnerships in frameworks such as BRICS, COMESA, and the African Union, as well as its growing presence in major international platforms such as the G20 and G7.
The study also highlighted Egypt’s growing negotiating power in addressing contemporary crises and conflicts in the Middle East, supported by its balanced diplomacy and its role as a strong mediator and regional stabilizer capable of balancing international and regional interests.
Oleba also pointed to major national projects such as the Suez Canal Economic Zone, the El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, electricity interconnection initiatives, and renewable energy projects as strategic tools reinforcing Egypt’s role as a global hub for energy, industry, and trade, while strengthening its integration into global value chains.
She stressed that economic strength is the first line of defense for national security, noting that Egypt’s growing engagement in international alliances with major powers such as China and Russia has created opportunities to localize strategic industries, open new fields in defense manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, and diversify sources of partnership and technology.
The thesis concluded with a proposed national strategic plan to maximize Egypt’s benefit from international and regional economic blocs. The plan included integrated economic, political, security, and social pillars aimed at supporting comprehensive national security through a strong, productive, diversified, and sustainable economy.
This achievement reflects Shaimaa Oleba’s profile as a leader who combines practical market experience with strategic thinking, linking her work in industry, export, and business development with a deeper understanding of international economics, political relations, global blocs, and geopolitical transformations affecting Egypt’s economic and industrial future.
Category
Academic Achievement / Strategy / Economic Policy / International Relations
Tags
Master’s Degree | Political Science | Economic Blocs | International Relations | Global Economy | National Security | BRICS | COMESA | RCEP | Suez Canal Economic Zone | Industrial Strategy | SOIC Insights
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