Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean’s Post

Since 2020, the #Sahel region is going through an acute crisis. The coups in #Burkina Faso, #Chad, #Mali and #Niger – once considered the West’s bulwark in the Sahel – have marked a drastic turn towards militarism and authoritarianism, amplifying violence and the displacement crisis. This authoritarian spiral has resulted in a notable geopolitical shift, with the juntas aligning themselves with #Russia and opening the door to the Wagner Group, now rebranded #AfricaCorps. The mounting crisis has left Italy, as well as many other Western countries, disoriented. Given the strategic importance of the Sahel, 3 key questions beg an answer: - Should Italy maintain its engagement in the Sahel? - What can be the realistic objectives of Italy's engagement given the current context? - How can Italy steer its engagement to achieve positive results? Read the policy paper by Carlo Palleschi, just published by Luiss Mediterranean Platform Luiss School of Government

Happy to share that tomorrow our Co-Founder and Research Coordinator Jacopo Franceschini will participate in the panel “Turkey Between the Past and Today’s World. Who’s and How’s the Other” at the XVI SESAMO Conference at the Università degli Studi di Cagliari. Presentations and authors will focus on: 1.⁠ ⁠Iulia-Alexandra Oprea (PhD) on cultural heritage as a tool of faith-based diplomacy; 2.⁠ ⁠Simona Scotti analyzing foreign policy during the Second Karabakh War; 3.⁠ Chiara Boldrini and Riccardo Gasco on Trends and Perspectives of Turkey’s Foreign Policy; 4.⁠ ⁠Jacopo Franceschini offering insights into Turkey's dual digital realities.

🚩 Should #Italy maintain its engagement in the #Sahel? 🚩 If yes, which #objectives can Italy realistically pursue in the current context, and through which policies and means? 🚩 Which #policies and #means would best support these efforts? In his latest policy paper, Luiss Mediterranean Platform's associate Carlo Palleschi provides strategic insights into Italy’s engagement options in the Sahel. Given the recent approval of the Mattei Plan for Africa, Rome cannot afford to relinquish its ambitions for a leading role in the region. To recalibrate Italy’s presence, the Paper outlines potential developments in the Sahel by presenting alternative scenarios. Based on this analysis, it explores Italy’s strategic options, assesses their potential impact, and identifies actionable pathways. 👇 👇👇

"Honored to represent Germany in the Ethereal MUN as a delegate in the UNSC, where we tackled one of the world's most pressing issues: conflicts in the Middle East, with a focus on the Israel-Hamas situation. An insightful experience in diplomacy and global collaboration. #EtherealMUN #ModelUN #UNSC #GermanyDelegate #MiddleEastConflict #IsraelHamas"

📚We’ve just published Carlo Palleschi's latest policy paper, "Strategic Choices in the Sahel: A Vademecum for Italy".   The paper examines Italy's strategic options for engaging in the Sahel in light of recent coups and the resulting regional instability. It provides a scenario analysis outlining four potential developments in the region and suggests how Italy might adjust its approach accordingly.   Palleschi highlights the importance of balancing Italy's geopolitical interests while working within the broader EU framework. He advocates for the use of diplomacy and soft power to ensure long-term stability and prevent further escalation or influence from foreign powers like Russia or China.   Check the policy paper here: https://bit.ly/3N5PdT2.   #LuissMediterraneanPlatform

At the International conference "New Central Asia: Challenges and Opportunities in the Era of Global Transformation", organized by the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan, in cooperation with the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, the International Institute of Central Asia, and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation's Representation in Uzbekistan. During the conference will share my perspective on the developments in the Central Asia.

Soft power, the ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion, plays a pivotal role in shaping international relations. By leveraging cultural diplomacy, values, and ideational leadership, nations can foster cooperation and build trust, ultimately enhancing their global standing. In an interconnected world, the effectiveness of soft power is essential for addressing complex challenges collaboratively. P.s. An insightful webinar by the Youth Organization Pakistan.

🌍 Who Makes Diplomacy Happen? 🤝 Diplomacy isn’t just about big meetings and speeches. It’s also about the experts working behind the scenes. These are the attachés, the people who make sure everything runs smoothly. In this carousel, we’ll explore 10 key attaché roles that help countries connect and solve problems. From politics to culture, business to law, each role is important for keeping relationships strong. Which role do you think is the most important? Let’s find out together!

📜 New Arctic Circle Journal Entry 📜 ✍ The central role of science diplomacy in Arctic governance necessitates careful reflection on the social organization of such diplomacy. ✍ To leverage the collective expertise of Arctic networks, we need to better understand the social lives of these networks: how they work at the level of interpersonal interaction alongside institutional procedure. To do so, we must consider not only the content of what is said but also the context in which it is said: the social milieu of the discussion and the dispositions that underpin it. Thought and action happen in context: the structuring of the context enables particular kinds of thought and action. Read more: https://t.ly/H3mi3

THE image to this post beautifully captures the essence of a relationship that transcends formal diplomacy, illustrating the depth of genuine human connection. When leaders engage beyond policies and protocols, they inspire trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the future. This is the kind of relationship the world desperately needs today—one that nurtures not just political ties, but bonds that strengthen our collective commitment to the economy, environment, wealth, and well-being. Only through sincere collaboration and understanding can humanity rise above its challenges and build a future where all prosper, protected by the shared values of empathy, cooperation, and trust. To quote, “True friendship between nations can never be based on self-interest alone. It has to be rooted in the deep, shared values of trust, respect, and mutual benefit.” — Kofi Annan, a Ghanaian diplomat who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1997 to 2006.