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Policy dialogues

In 2020, the Middle East Studies Forum was pleased to present a four-part Policy Dialogue series as part of a Deakin University project
assessing the impact of external actors in the
Syrian and Afghan proxy wars.

This initiative was part of a Deakin University project ‘Assessing the impact of external actors in the Syrian and Afghan proxy wars’, funded by Carnegie Corporation New York (grant number: G-18-55949).

Proxy dynamics and peace in Afghanistan

What impacts do the activities of proxy forces have on conflict and peace in Afghanistan? Engaging with speakers from diverse backgrounds, including both civil and military, this seminar will examine proxy dynamics between relevant regional and extra-regional actors. Through this dialogue, we wish to generate new understandings of proxy conflict and propose important policy recommendations for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Policy Dialogue I

10 September 2020
Professor Rifaat Hussain (National University of Sciences and Technology), Senator Sehar Kamran (Centre for Pakistan and Gulf Studies), General (retired) Naeem Khalid Lodhi and Dimitri Trenin (Carnegie Moscow Centre)

Policy Dialogue II

30 September 2020
Mr Rahmatullah Nabil (Afghan politician), Mr Shoaib Rahim (Senior advisor to the Minister of Peace in Afghanistan), Mr. Shakti Sinha (MS University) and Ambassador Rakesh Sood (Observer Research Foundation)

Proxy dynamics and peace in Syria

What impacts do the activities of proxy forces and external actors have on conflict and peace in Syria? Bringing together Syrian and international analysts, activists and researchers, this session will examine proxy dynamics between relevant regional and extra-regional actors. Through this dialogue, we wish to generate new understandings of proxy conflict and propose policy recommendations for peace and stability in Syria.

Policy Dialogue III

5 October 2020
Noha Alkamcha (Syrian development consultant), Nick Grinstead (Middle East Institute), Malik al-Abdeh (conflict resolution practitioner) and Bente Scheller (Heinrich Boell Foundation)

Policy Dialogue IV

4 November 2020
Dareen Khalifa (International Crisis Group), Jasmine Gani (University of St Andrews), Christopher Phillips (Queen Mary University of London) and Rime Allaf (Middle East Institute)