Following last week’s in-depth examination of NATO-Russia relations during the Russia Seminar, Senior Course 145 shifted its attention this week to Africa and the Middle East. The Middle East Seminar examined critical regional challenges, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Taken together, these NDC seminars highlight the importance of understanding regional complexities in shaping NATO’s strategic priorities.
With an emphasis on Libya, North Africa, and the Sahel region, the two-day Africa Seminar examined the continent’s pressing security challenges. Expert lecturers provided strategic overviews of political, military, and security issues, including terrorism, criminal trafficking, and societal instability. Discussions and panels covered the role of NATO and the EU in fostering stability, addressing threats like violent extremism and ethnic conflict. The seminars also highlighted NATO’s collaboration with the African Union, exploring joint initiatives in training, operational support, and peacekeeping efforts such as the African Standby Force and AMISOM in Somalia.
The Middle East Seminar focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its profound impact on regional security and stability. Different experts took the floor, namely: Professor Ilan Greilsammer, Dr. Alaa Tartir, and Dr. Anders Persson. Discussions covered critical insights into recent developments and geopolitical dynamics. They also mentioned that while history shows that wars eventually come to an end, achieving lasting peace requires long-term perspectives, especially in a world shaped by emerging multipolarity. Following the presentations, participants engaged in interactive sessions to discuss the positions of Israel and Palestine, and the role of global actors in trying to promote sustainable peace and stability in the region.
Discussions also focused on Iran, the Arab Gulf States, and the region’s political-military dynamics. Experts analyzed Iran’s influence on instability and the foreign policy challenges facing the Gulf States, while considering the contributions of major actors like NATO and the Gulf Cooperation Council to regional stability and security.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Britt Melinga, NLD C)
NATO Defense College