Background of the Topic:
The potential for a deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia has been a topic of much discussion in recent years, as tensions between the two regional powers have simmered for decades. The two countries have been engaged in a long-standing rivalry, with differences over politics, religion, and oil wealth contributing to their strained relationship.
The United States has been the principal power in the West Asia region since the end of World War II and since the fall of the Soviet Union. In recent months, there have been reports of China playing a role in brokering a potential deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia, two long-standing regional rivals. An Iran-Saudi deal could have significant implications for the Middle East and the wider world, including potential changes to regional security dynamics, economic relationships, and diplomatic alliances. A successful deal could also signal a shift towards a more stable and cooperative regional order, while a breakdown in negotiations could lead to increased tensions and conflict.
If successful, this deal could have significant implications for the Middle East, as well as for China’s regional and global influence. As such, there is a growing interest in understanding the details of the potential deal, as well as its potential impact on regional dynamics. By bringing together diverse perspectives on this issue, the webinar aims to provide a nuanced and comprehensive analysis of this complex and important topic.
Key Discussion points:
Panellists:
Moderator:
Neelima completed her Post Graduation in MA Geopolitics and International Relations from Manipal Academy of Higher Education. While pursuing her masters she has done her 3 months Internship from the Middle East Institute, New Delhi. After completion of the course she worked for 2 months as IR project Intern at Centre for Public Policy Research, Kochi.
Speakers:
Stanly Johny is the International Affairs Editor with The Hindu. A PhD in international studies from the Centre for West Asian Studies, JNU, New Delhi, he anchors the paper’s international coverage, besides writing editorials, Opeds, and other features. He has been writing on geopolitics and Indian foreign policy for over a decade and has reported from different parts of the world. Besides The Hindu, he’s written in news publications such as The Hindu Business Line, Frontline, Business Standard, and Economic and Political Weekly.
Dr Shelly Johny is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at St. Aloysius College, Elthuruth, Thrissur. He completed his Masters in International Relations at Middlesex University, London. He did his MPhil and PhD in West Asian Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He has held research positions at the Centre for Air Power Studies, New Delhi which is a think tank of the Indian Air Force and the Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA), New Delhi which is under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
Date: 22nd May 2023
Time: 05:00 PM – 06:00 PM IST
Venue: Virtual Meeting Platform – Zoom