The Levant and its surrounding region are undergoing major transformations that have profound implications for the future of the Middle East and the world. External powers, such as Russia and Iran continue to pursue active policies in this region and their main ally, Syria’s President Bashar al Assad, is reasserting his power over the country. Regional power houses, such as Saudia Arabia or Egypt have started (foreign) policy shifts with reverberating consequences. Which main trends define this region in 2023? And how is the international and regional order impacted?

This conference aims to identify cross-cutting themes and provide insights on the current challenges and opportunities in the Levant and its neighbourhood. Four panels will guide through the day:

1. (Radical) Islamists at the Crossroads?
2. A Dire Future? Energy and other Natural Resources
3. Is the Ukraine Conflict of Relevance in the Levant? And if so, how?
4. Sectarianism Up-, or Outdated?

The conference will bring together scholars, researchers, and experts from various disciplines, including history, politics, and international relations, among others. The conference will provide a platform for participants to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and engage in critical discussions about the Levant and its neighbourhood and their significance in region more broadly as well as the international order as a whole.

Please note, this is a hybrid event. Tickets are available for in-person attendance or for online attendance. Please select your ticket accordingly.

SCHEDULE

The full programme for the conference is available to view here.

 

08.00 - 09.00: Check-in and breakfast

09.00-09.15: Opening remarks and Welcome

09.30-10.00: Keynote speech: Professor Jean-Pierre Filiu (Sciences Po, Paris)

10.00 – 11.30: Panel 1 - (Radical) Islamists at the Crossroads?

11.30 – 13.00: Panel 2 - A Dire Future? Energy and other Natural Resources

13.00 – 14.00: Lunch

14.00 – 15.30: Panel 3 - Is the Ukraine Conflict of Relevance in the Levant? And if so, how?

15.30 – 17.00: Panel 4 - Sectarianism Up-, or Outdated?

17.00-17.15: Closing remarks and symposium adjourns

From 17.30: Reception