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As part of the SOAS “Trump 2.0: Global Perspectives” event series, this expert panel will examine the strategic, diplomatic, and security dimensions of USA's role in the Middle East.

President Trump aspires to deliver the ‘Deal of the Century’ during his term in office, and the Middle East is top of the list. This aspiration would involve a series of bilateral deals that add up to more than the sum of their parts. Under what conditions could this be possible? How might a renewed Trump presidency influence US-Israel-Palestine relations? How will past actions set the stage for continuity or rupture? 

The panel will also discuss:

• The effect of Trump’s return on the Abraham Accords and its perception in the region, specifically with Saudi Arabia.
• The evolving dynamics of US-Turkey relations, particularly regarding Syria and Iraq, where diverging security interests and regional aspirations could lead to renewed tensions or unexpected cooperation.
• The trajectory of US-Egypt relations, analysing potential shifts in military cooperation, trade agreements, and industrial development. Egypt is still referred to by Trump as a pillar of security, but is this just a political synecdoche?
• US-Iran relations, reflecting on the legacy of Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) and considering the likelihood of renewed confrontation or recalibration by taking account of policies of key regional and global actors.
• Bringing together scholars and regional experts, this discussion offers timely insights into the broader geopolitical consequences of a second Trump administration and the evolving landscape of Middle East diplomacy.

Speakers

• Dr Tolga Sinmazdemir, Senior Lecturer in Political Methodology, SOAS, University of London
• Prof Nicholas Westcott, Professor of Practice, SOAS, University of London
• Dr Dara Salam, Senior Teaching Fellow, SOAS, University of London
• Dr Maria Gloria Polimeno, Research Fellow, SOAS Middle East Institute
• Dr Alireza Shams Lahijani, Teaching Fellow, SOAS, University of London

Chairs

• Prof Leslie Vinjamuri, Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy, SOAS University of London
• Dr Alvina Hoffmann, Lecturer in Diplomatic Studies, SOAS University of London

This event is organised by the Department of Politics and International Studies and the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy at SOAS University of London.