Chair:
• Renaud Girard, Senior Reporter and International Columnist at Le Figaro

Speakers:
• Mohammad Baharoon, Director General of the Dubai Public Policy Research Center (b'huth)

• Marc Hecker, Deputy Director of Ifri, Editor-in-Chief of Politique étrangère, and Research Fellow at the Security Studies Center, Ifri

• Volker Perthes, Non-Resident Senior Fellow and Senior Advisor to the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP)

This plenary session examines the complex challenges posed by rising tensions in the Middle East, focusing on Europe’s potential role in preventing a major escalation. The discussion evaluates the increasing risk of conflict between Israel and a weakened Iran, which has lost much of its influence through proxies, the potential support to Israel of a future Trump administration, and the determination of key actors to address the Iranian nuclear threat. Europe’s approach, often characterized by internal divisions and a limited role as a financial supporter, is also critically analyzed.

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Founded in 2008 by Thierry de Montbrial, Chairman of the French Institute of International Relations (Ifri), the World Policy Conference (WPC) held its seventeenth edition from December 13-15, 2024, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The WPC's mission is to reflect upon and to come up with solutions to the constant upheavals of today’s world and to create lasting bonds between the participants. This international conference gives a voice to political, economic, academic and media players from over 40 countries – from major powers to medium and small countries, including emerging countries, thus ensuring a diversity and plurality of debates.

More information on the World Policy Conference : www.worldpolicyconference.com