The European University Institute’s Middle East Directions (MED) Program’s Regional Security Initiative (RSI) organizes an in-house business panel discussion on the invitation
When looking at the ongoing security risks in the Persian/Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea Area/Suez Canal, the European University Institute’s Middle East Directions (MED) Program’s Regional Security Initiative (RSI) organizes an in-house business panel discussion on the invitation. If you are interested, please come back to me and we will send you an invite. The latter brings together not only analysts, practitioners but also stakeholders working or interested in the regional security of logistics, energy, and maritime.
Regional Security Business Panel: The securitization of logistics in the Gulf and the Red Sea
@medirections
21 May 2021
Sala del Consiglio and Webinar Zoom
Scientific Organisers:
Luigi Narbonne | European University Institute
Abdolrasool Divsallar | European University Institute
Introduction
The Gulf region is at the center of major geopolitical and geo-economic shifts. Continuing tension and instability resulting from structural dysfunctionalities in the regional security system combined with an epochal reconfiguration of the region as a major hub linking east-west and east-Africa trade. The current economic diversification strategies of the GCC countries, such as Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE vision 2030, are redirecting logistical centers and possible hub functions from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Oman regions. Commercial activities linked to GCC country exports and imports are increasingly integrating new risk strategies to counter potential regional disruptions. This combines with the long-term impact of the China OBOR project and the geopolitical/geoeconomic strategies of other regional – like Turkey – and international players in the Red Sea area. Iran returning to the international trading scene following positive developments regarding the JCPOA would also be a game-changer.
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Draft Program
21 May
15:00 – 17:30 Business Panel (Closed-door meeting by invitation only)
The securitization of logistics in the Gulf and in the Red Sea: Risks to commodities, trade, and maritime routes amid new investment opportunities.
The panel will discuss the following questions:
(1) How are the security concerns and investment strategies of littoral and external players reshuffling the region’s logistics?
(2) What is the future of the Persian Gulf littoral states’ port investments and trade routes in the light of continuing Arab-Iranian confrontation?
(3) Is the perceived logistical hub function of the Red Sea area, Oman and Fujairah only based on economic drivers, or are security and risk assessments also involved?
(4) Which specific maritime commodity and trade sectors can reap the rewards of Saudi’s and Emirati’s Visions 2030?
(5) Is the Persian Gulf vs Red Sea logistic reshuffle increasing or decreasing risk scenarios and how can investors, operators, and suppliers mitigate them?
(6) Is there room for maneuvers for European companies in avoiding escalating power plays between Russia, China, the USA, Iran, and Turkey?
(7) How should European entities assess the changing scenarios within and outside the region, with specific emphasis on emerging