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(This text was translated from its original Arabic version.)

The world order is currently facing a critical transition at the strategic and political levels, in addition to major changes in the global economic structure. These rapid transformations have sparked extensive discussions about the possibility of moving to a multipolar world order in which hegemony is no longer monopolized by a single power but is distributed among several new centers of power. However, with its diversity and historical depth, the Al Sharq region remains largely marginalized in these global shifts, except for a few events that temporarily drew attention to the region.

Amid these changes, the “Al-Aqsa Flood” Operation and the subsequent Israeli war on Gaza redirected attention to the Al Sharq region and highlighted profound political and social repercussions at the regional and international levels. This conflict sparked a large-scale social and student movement globally and began to create noticeable cracks within the international community, bringing the Al Sharq region back to the center of global attention after a period of marginalization.

The Al Sharq region comprises four major nations: Arabs, Turks, Kurds, and Iranians. However, these nations have been historically disconnected over the past century, with their interests diverging and communication channels diminishing. In light of the current global transformations and the challenges and opportunities they pose, it has become imperative for these nations to engage in a deep dialogue aimed at reviving their historical integration. This dialogue must be supported by practical steps to bridge the rift and promote cooperation to serve the region’s interests within the framework of the new world order.

Based on this vision, Al Sharq Strategic Research organized a conference in Istanbul, Türkiye, from July 6 to 7, 2024. The conference aimed to gather a group of experts, researchers, and decision-makers to discuss these issues and exchange visions around three main axes to enhance the discussion and work to lay new foundations for cooperation between the region’s nations at this critical stage.

Themes:

  • The Al Sharq Region and Restoring Historical Continuity
  • Challenges That Prevent Integration of the Al Sharq Region
  • The Al Sharq Region from the Nation-state to the Regional Space