At a glance: Towards MED2019 – Regional Meetings
MED is the annual high-level initiative promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and ISPI (Italian Institute for International Political Studies) in Rome, with the aim to rethink traditional approaches to the area, to complement analyses of current challenges with new ideas and suggestions and to draft a new “positive agenda”, addressing shared challenges at both the regional and international level.
Launched in 2015, MED has quickly become the global hub for high–level dialogues on the broader Mediterranean engaging prominent leaders of Mediterranean governments, business, civil society, media and academia.
In the context of the Mediterranean Dialogues, Towards MED – Regional Meetings are a series of preparatory events intended to promote targeted and in-depth discussions about relevant themes concerning the Mediterranean region. These initiatives will involve international experts from leading think tanks and institutional representatives.
Background - North Africa: New elections, old problems?
Since the 2011 uprisings, North Africa has endured a transformational phase characterized by socioeconomic and security challenges that continue to affect the internal and external dynamics of each state. While, for instance, Tunisia has managed to accommodate some of the people’s demands and promote a substantial process of democratization, Libya has instead descended into a spiral of violence and internal political fragmentation. 2019 will likely see important political changes within several countries, as national elections are expected to take place in Algeria, Tunisia and, circumstances permitting, Libya, as well as a constitutional referendum in Egypt. These events fall within a crucial phase of transition which will define the future of the region—both within each country’s domestic politics, as well as their regional relations. Should we expect more continuity or change as a result of this process? Which are the possible scenarios? What repercussions may unfold on the international stage?
The event
The roundtable aims to reflect on current geopolitical events in North Africa. It will address the potential impact of upcoming elections on the political landscape of countries such as Algeria, Libya and Tunisia, as well as on the volatile security dynamics in the region. Socioeconomic issues will also be discussed to provide a more complete analysis of the current situation. The event will be organized into three panels: The first will focus on the overall regional context to shed light on key transnational trends and challenges; The second and the third panels will analyze specific countries, such as Libya and Algeria, to assess the specific domestic situation and problems such as economic shortcomings, political disorders, and persisting security threats.
