Who We Are
About Badil | The Alternative Policy Institute
Badil | The Alternative Policy Institute (API) is a pioneering think tank and media outlet that combines analytical depth with investigative insight. API’s work challenges the status quo, offering alternative narratives through in-depth research, engaging policy solutions, and compelling storytelling. With a focus that extends beyond policy experts, the institute represents Global South perspectives through an integrated counter-narrative approach, empowering citizens and communities with the knowledge and tools to shape their own futures.
Editorial Team
Badil’s editorial team consists of a global team of journalists, editors, researchers, analysts, designers, communicators and, above all, people who believe in progressive change.
Badil’s editorial management team includes:
Sami Halabi
Sami Halabi is API’s Director of Policy. He is a policy journalist, researcher and media specialist. Alongside this role, Sami is also Director of Policy at Triangle, where he works to promote progressive policy through communications, advocacy, and policy development. Sami’s focus is on political economy dynamics, and he has a long record of accomplishment in applied research with international organisations, governments, and the private sector. Sami is regularly invited to take part in discussions in international fora and television networks to discuss a wide range of political economy issues. Previous to these roles, Sami’s journalism work consisted of print and broadcast with top international media outlets and publications, alongside work on media development in different global contexts. Sami holds a Masters degree in Public Policy with Distinction from The University of Edinburgh.
Nizar Ghanem
Nizar Ghanem is API’s Director of Research. He is a well-known Lebanese activist and economic researcher, and a prominent figure in the protests that erupted in Beirut in 2015 and 2019. Nizar is the Director of Research at Triangle, where he designs and leads key research projects with international organizations. He has authored various reports and published scholarly articles on a variety of topics related to governance and development in the West Asia and North Africa region. Nizar is also a founding member of the Depositors Union, a grassroot organization dedicated to protecting depositors’ rights in Lebanon. He holds a Masters in International Relations and Economics from the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).
Michael Huijer
Michael Huijer is API’s Executive Editor, with over 18 years’ experience in strategic communication, programme management, publishing processes, and events organisation within the think tank, NGO, and education sectors in Lebanon. Michael leads Triangle’s communications efforts and oversees its editorial process. In addition to his previous role as Communications Manager at the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs at the American University of Beirut, Michael also worked in a variety of roles for the Carnegie Middle East Center, Chatham House, the Netherlands Institute in Beirut, Nuffic, ACSS, and International Alert. He obtained his MA in Near and Middle Eastern Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies.
Spencer Osberg
Spencer Osberg is API’s Senior Editor. His distinguished career includes more than 20 years working in journalism and policymaking in the Middle East. As founding Chief Editor of the Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies, he played an essential role in building what is today Yemen’s leading research institute, helping to reshape international policy towards the country. As the Managing Editor at Lebanon’s Executive Magazine, Spencer spearheaded in-depth reporting on socio-economic issues across the MENA region. He was also a production team member for “The War Show,” a documentary film on the Syrian civil war that won best film at the 2016 Venice Film Festival and numerous other accolades. As a journalist, Spencer has reported for such media outlets as Al Jazeera, France 24, and CBC. Spencer’s primary focus is economics and policy in the MENA region.