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Jacob Høigilt is a Middle East researcher with the Fafo Institute for Applied International Studies, Oslo. His research interests focus on ideological currents and discourses in the Arab world, with special reference to Islamism. Among his recent publications are Islamist Rhetoric: Language and Culture in Contemporary Egypt (Routledge, 2010) and Educating Extremists? Islamism and Education in the Palestinian Territories (Fafo, 2010).

Palestinian youth and the Arab Spring: Mona Christophersen , Jacob Høigilt , Åge A. Tiltnes 16 March 2012
The Arab Spring has not led to Palestinian youth questioning fundamentally the performance of their leaders, while President Mahmoud Abbas’s going to the UN has not inspired noticeable enthusiasm either. The existing youth groups, whether outside or inside established organisations, will have to work hard to engage their young compatri... more
Religion, territory and violence: exploring emerging religious-political groups in Israel and Palestine: Jacob Høigilt , Tilde Rosmer , Hanne Eggen Røislien 3 November 2011
Conservative religious groups are gaining ground in Israel and Palestine. This report describes the emerging ultra-religious groups whose influence may be greater than the column space they receive in mainstream media. more
The salafis are coming – but where are they going?: Jacob Høigilt 4 July 2011
The Salafist movement has recently become a political actor in post-revolutionary Egypt but, despite intense media attention and serious sectarian incidents, its political impact is likely to remain limited. Three different strands of Salafism can be distinguished In Egypt. The traditional Salafi movement, established in the early 20th... more
Who's who in the new Egypt? A mapping of prominent actors of change: Jacob Høigilt 22 February 2011
Jacob Høigilt provides an overview of the four groups that have emerged as major political players in Egypt's political transition. Having actively supported an authoritarian regime for 30 years, US and European politicians now have a unique opportunity to engage more seriously with the real forces of change more
The Sudan Referendum and Neighbouring Countries: Egypt and Uganda: Jacob Høigilt , Åshild Falch , Øystein H. Rolandsen 4 January 2011
The prospect of a new state in the Greater Horn of Africa may fuel regional tensions. A recent Fafo and PRIO report, funded by Noref, reveals that neighbouring countries have a clear interest in contributing towards a peaceful transition in Sudan, but short-sighted policies may preclude the desired outcome. more
Making Cooperation Attractive: Post-referendum Relations between Egypt and the Sudan: Jacob Høigilt , Øystein H. Rolandsen 4 January 2011
This report is the outcome of a one-day policy workshop, held in October 2010, on future Sudanese-Egyptian relations. One conclusion is that in the context of a possible Southern Sudanese secession, Egypt needs to reshape its regional policy and could play a key role in regional and international efforts to secure peaceful development... more
Egypt and the Darfur conflict: Jacob Høigilt , Øystein H. Rolandsen 30 June 2010
Jacob Høigilt and Øystein H. Rolandsen argue that Egypt could play an active role in the diplomatic process surrounding the Darfur conflict – if it is willing to pay the political costs of increased engagement. more
Darfur between war and peace: Jacob Høigilt 11 April 2010
An unexpected peace agreement raises hopes of a turning-point in the long-running Darfur conflict. But its implementation is already in trouble. more

Jacob Høigilt

Publications