This paper analyzes the state of Middle East Track-II projects since the 1990s, the failure of the ACRS working group, and how a better understanding of security norms and public opinion can improve Track-II collaboration and produce long-term results. The first section of the paper provides a summary of NGO activities, and how their work relates to the development of a regional security regime. The projects featured in this paper are by no means exhaustive, but are intended to represent the variety of forms and objectives Track-II efforts have traditionally taken in the region. The second section provides a review of perspectives on international norm diffusion and the influence of public opinion on policymaking. Building on this foundation, the third section provides an outline of the goals, structure and composition of an unofficial regional security coalition between NGO partners in the Middle East.