On 16 March 2026, ELIAMEP organized the fifth consecutive “Crises in Focus” online seminar, focusing on the Middle East and the increasing risk of regional escalation amid ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions. Dr. Maha Yahya, Director of the Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center, and Dr. Sanam Vakil, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, examined the current situation as well as the strategic priorities of the key actors involved, , in conversation with Dr. Elena Lazarou, Director General of ELIAMEP. The discussion was followed by an exchange with the online audience, which explored, among other topics potential scenaria for de-escalation, the resilience and viability of the Iranian regime, as well as , the political, economic, and humanitarian consequences of a prolonged conflict in the region. Moreover, the seminar addressed broader geopolitical challenges, including the role of the EU and Europe more widely and US relations in the region
Previous seminars in the series have focused on the crises in Iran, 19 January 2026, Venezuela, 22 January 2026, the Arctic, 28 January 2026 and Syria, 12 February 2026.
Crises in Focus is a new series of one-hour online conversations shedding light on some of today’s most pressing global crises. Featuring leading international experts, each session focuses on a specific case study and explores its political, social, and geopolitical implications.
The discussions follow an “in conversation” format, bringing together an external expert and a member of ELIAMEP in a dynamic and engaging dialogue.