On April 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET the North Africa Initiative will host a public event with the Italian Institute for International Political Studies on US President Donald Trump’s first one hundred days in office, analyzing his policies toward the Middle East and North Africa.
Trump’s second term has ushered in a wave of executive orders that have reshaped the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape. From reinstating a policy of “maximum pressure” on Iran to elevating Saudi Arabia’s role as a regional mediator and proposing a Middle Eastern “Riviera” in Gaza, Trump continues to assert US influence in the region. The administration’s call for greater autonomy among Arab allies—particularly in resolving the Gaza conflict—raises fundamental questions about regional power dynamics. Facing shared challenges, Cairo and Ankara are now cautiously exploring renewed dialogue, which could reshape regional security and economic landscapes.
Join us as we examine the implications of these shifting alliances and the future of US engagement in the Middle East.
Speakers
Steven Cook
Eni Enrico Mattei Senior Fellow for Middle East and Africa Studies; Director of the International Affairs Fellowship for Tenured International Relations Scholars
Council on Foreign Relations
Soner Cagaptay
Beyer Family Senior Fellow; Director of the Turkish Research Program
The Washington Institute
Jennifer Gavito
Nonresident Senior Fellow
Atlantic Council;
Former Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs
Shady ElGhazaly Harb
Visiting Scholar, Middle East Initiative, Befler Center for Science and International Affairs
John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
Amy Austin Holmes
Research Professor of International Affairs, Elliot School of International Affairs, George Washington University;
Faculty members, Bush School of Government & Public Service, Washington D.C.
Firas Maksad
Managing Director for Middle East and North Africa,
Eurasia Group
Francesco Rocchetti
Secretary General, ISPI; Curator Rome MED Dialogues,
Institute for International Political Studies
Valeria Talbot
Head, ISPI MENA Centre,
Institute for International Political Studies
Moderated by
Nick Schifrin
Foreign Affairs and Defense Correspondent, NewsHour
PBS
Agenda
Welcome remarks
Speakers:
William Wechsler
Senior Director, Rafik Hariri Center and Middle East Programs
Atlantic Council
Francesco Rocchetti
Secretary General, ISPI; Curator Rome MED Dialogues;
Institute for International Political Studies
Panel 1: Trump’s First 100 Days between withdrawal and regional disorder: Has Trump upended the Middle East?
Speakers:
Steven Cook
Eni Enrico Mattei Senior Fellow for Middle East and Africa Studies; Director of the International Affairs Fellowship for Tenured International Relations Scholars,
Council on Foreign Relations
Jennifer Gavito
Nonresident Senior Fellow;
Atlantic Council;
Former Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs
Firas Maksad
Managing Director for Middle East and North Africa,
Eurasia Group
Alissa Pavia
Associate Director, North Africa Program,
Atlantic Council
Moderator:
Nick Schifrin
Foreign Affairs and Defense Correspondent, NewsHour
PBS
Panel 2: Egyptian-Turkish Reconciliation: A Potential Catalyst for Easing Middle East Tensions?
Speakers
Soner Cagaptay
Beyer Family Senior Fellow; Director of the Turkish Research Program
The Washington Institute
Shady ElGhazaly Harb
Visiting Scholar, Middle East Initiative, Belfler Center for Science and International Affairs
John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
Valeria Talbot
Head, ISPI MENA Centre;
Institute for International Political Studies
Amy Holmes
Research Professor of International Affairs; Program Director, FAO Regional Skill Sustainment Initiative
Elliot School of International Affairs
Moderator:
Karim Mezran
Director of the North Africa Initiative and Resident Senior fellow with the Rafik Hariri Center and Middle East Programs
Atlantic Council
Atlantic Council TV
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