The war in Ukraine continues to draw media and political attention to Europe’s eastern flank. Yet, powerful dynamics are also at work on its southern flank: while the economic impact of the conflict is dramatically weakening some already vulnerable states in terms of food security (such as Egypt or Syria), the gas rush resulting from the conflict is strengthening the weight of other already robust states in the region (such as Saudi Arabia or Israel). Generally speaking, a new reality has already emerged: the war on the eastern flank has made the southern flank strategically more important than ever before. Moreover, this new situation fits into a context suggesting a major geopolitical reshuffle in 2023, both in the Middle East and in North Africa.
How can we assess the impact of this war – whose end is not in sight – on the entire Mediterranean basin? Can Russia strengthen its military positions in the Middle East? Will Turkish President Erdogan remain in power after the crucial presidential and parliamentary elections in May? Could the Islamic State organisation (Daesh) re-emerge and destabilise Syria and Iraq once again? Do the Gulf petro-monarchies intend to turn even more towards China? How great is the risk of confrontation between Israel and Iran? Will the new Israeli government risk a new Intifada? Will Jordan and Egypt retain their relative stability? Can Libya descend into conflict again? Can the rivalry between Morocco and Algeria continue to escalate to a breaking point?
In order to answer all these questions, we will be pleased to welcome Dr Pierre Razoux, academic director of the Mediterranean Foundation of Strategic Studies (FMES), who will share his expertise on the region.
Research line: Middle East and North Africa
Source images: © Jernej Furman & © Nasser Nouri
Evening conference
From the eastern to the southern flank:
a geopolitical reshuffle in the Middle East
and North Africa
Conference video:
Dr Pierre RAZOUX
Moderator: Didier LEROY
Languages: French
Simultaneous interpretation in English and Dutch
9 March 2023, 17:00 – 18:30
> 16:30 – Registration
> 17:00 – Conference
> 18:30 – Reception
Campus Renaissance
Rue Hobbema, 8
1000 Brussels