5th CARPO Research Forum: Changing Patterns of Global Politics – The Middle East in a Multipolar World
When: 27 November 2024, 15:00-18:00 (CET)
The current global order is undergoing profound changes towards a multipolar world. This shift is characterized by the increased assertiveness of the countries in the so-called Global South, actively seeking new alliances and partnerships beyond traditional Western allies. This realignment is particularly evident in the Middle East, especially within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as these countries orient themselves towards other world regions.
This year’s CARPO Research Forum will explore the global relationships of Middle Eastern countries within a shifting world order. The focus is on changes in global governance and the multipolar world, examining their implications for Middle Eastern actors. The discussions will highlight the evolving ties between the Middle East and regions of the so-called Global South, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa and Central Asia. Additionally, the forum will address Middle Eastern activities such as in conflict mediation, development cooperation, investment in sustainable technologies, energy diversification, and cultural and sports engagements, where they increasingly challenge traditional powers
In this context, the impact of these global changes on Europe is especially significant as it seeks greater strategic autonomy and new partnerships. Discussions will explore to what extent Europe must redefine its role in international politics and establish effective, equitable relationships with partners from the so-called Global South.
The CARPO Research Forum is a public online event for which everyone can register here.
Agenda
15:00 – 15:10 Introduction & Welcoming Remarks
Speaker:
Marie-Christine Heinze, President of CARPO
15:10 – 15:30 Keynote speech: “Changing Patterns of Global Politics”
Speaker:
Simon Mabon, Professor of International Politics, Lancaster University
Moderator:
Jan Hanrath, CEO, CARPO
15:30-16:30 Panel Discussion: The Middle East and Sub-Sahara Africa
Relations between the countries of the Middle East and Sub-Sahara Africa have known a long and intertwined history on a political, economic, religious, and cultural level. Yet, over the past decades relations have intensified as both regions are increasingly exploring diversifying their external ties on multiple levels. Relations between countries of both regions – be it formal or informal – constitute a relevant theater of South-South cooperation driven by political multi-alignment, power projection, economic diversification, cultural competition and cooperation as well as contested issues such as land-grabbing, security partnerships, the assistance for autocratic leaderships, and religious indoctrination. This panel will look at the different dimensions of Middle East– Sub-Sahara relations, including economic, political, and cultural relations, but also how countries of the two regions have interacted from a historical perspective and in formal international multilateral settings.
Panelists:
Hubert Kinkoh, Associate Fellow, CARPO
Maddalena Procopio, Senior Policy Fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)
Hamid Talebian, Research Fellow, German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA)
Moderator:
Desirée Custers, Project Manager, CARPO
16:30-16:40 Break
16:40-17:40 Panel Discussion: The Middle East and Central Asia
As global economic and geopolitical dynamics evolve, new partnerships are emerging between Central Asia and the Middle East. This panel will explore how these dynamics have affected ties between the two regions, among others in the domains of connectivity, investments in renewable energy, and increased trade, and what the priorities of both regions are in their mutual engagements. It will also discuss how the strategies of countries within both regions differ from each other as they look for new partnerships in the counter region, and how international multilateral organisations play a role as a platform for increased exchange. The panel will also address key geopolitical considerations that shape these relations, and how these will evolve in the future.
Panelists:
Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, Founder and CEO, Bourse&Bazaar Foundation
Akram Umarov, First Vice-Rector, University of World Economy and Diplomacy Tashkent
Layla Ali, Researcher, Gulf Research Center (GRC)
Moderator:
Jan Hanrath, CEO, CARPO
17:40-18:00 European Perspectives on the Middle East’s Evolving Global Repositioning
Speaker:
Kristina Kausch, Researcher, Deputy Managing Director and Senior Fellow, German Marshall Fund South
Moderator:
Sebastian Sons, Senior Researcher, CARPO
