Today, the region faces unprecedented complexity as it navigates through shifting power alliances involving local and global actors, unparalleled levels of violence, stark economic disparities, authoritarianism and crony capitalism, significant migration and refugee flows, the persistence of patriarchy and gender inequalities, and environmental pressures resulting from climate change.
This makes rigorous scholarship and interdisciplinary exchange essential. Meeting once a month, the working group offers a forum for EUI colleagues to share and gain feedback on their work, including through panels, workshops and lectures. It also provides a platform for hosting visiting speakers and conferences.
Upcoming Events:
- 14th April 2026 (10:00-12:00, Sala Triaria, Villa Schifanoia): Dr Ibrahim al-Marashi (California State University San Marcos): "Coups, Chaos & Conflict: How Cold War Interventions Led to the 2026 Iran War”.
- 24th April 2026 (15:00-17:00, Seminar Room 2, Badia Fiesolana): Dr May Darwich (University of Birmingham): "Role and Identity Mismatched: Egyptian Foreign Policy in a River of De-Nile" (register here).
- 30th April 2026 (14:00-16:00, Sala Belvedere, Villa Schifanoia): Dr Liina Mustonen (University of Helsinki): Book Presentation, "Revolutionary Anxieties: Defending Privilege in the Wake of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution".
- 13th May 2026 (14:00-17:00, Sala Belvedere, Villa Schifanoia): Panel Discussion: Contentious Politics in the Middle East.
Contact
If you would like to join the working group, contribute with your own presentation, or just be included in the mailing list, please email us at medmideast@eui.eu. Any comments, suggestions and ideas are also most welcome.