Gaza War: Regional Actors and Implications

Organized by the Center for International Policy Research (CIPR) and the Governance and Policy Think Tank (GPTT) on February 28, 2024, this three-session workshop examined the roles of various regional actors in the conflict, including state actors, i.e. Qatar and Iran, regional and outside countries, and sub-state actors. The workshop has also examined the war’s regional impact and the challenges and opportunities facing regional actors in the aftermath of the war while exploring strategies to address the ongoing conflict. The workshop provided valuable insights to help policymakers and experts understand the regional dynamics, assess the conflict’s broader implications, and develop effective policies for conflict resolution. The workshop outcomes were published by CIPR in the form of a policy brief.

2. Iran’s Engagement in the Israel-Hamas War: From Proxy Roles to Direct Confrontation

The Gaza War of 2023 marked a turning point in Palestinian and regional geopolitics. In the context of the war, Israel’s bombing of an Iranian consulate annex in Damascus escalated the conflict from proxy warfare to direct confrontation, prompting Iran to launch an unprecedented direct attack on Israel after decades of proxy warfare. Organized by CIPR on the 22nd of May, 2024, this workshop analyzed the implications of Iran’s attack on Israel, focusing on its impact on regional conflict dynamics, geopolitical shifts, and the war in Gaza. It has also examined the effects on regional actors, including Türkiye, Iraq, and Jordan, and assessed how the attack influences Iran’s relations with the European Union and the United States. Finally, the workshop explored potential future scenarios, changing power dynamics, and their broader regional impact.

3. Overview of Parliamentary Life with H.E. Lindsay Hoyle

Organized by the Community College of Qatar headed by president Dr. Khaled Al Horr, and moderated by CIPR president H.E. Dr. Majed Al Ansari on September 18, 2024. This panel discussion by HE Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the UK House of Commons focused on his experience in politics and parliamentary work, his approach to managing parliamentary sessions, and the challenges he faced, particularly during a sensitive period when he assumed the Speaker’s role. Moreover, Sir Hoyle praised the efforts of the State of Qatar in achieving a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, and promoting international peace and security.

4. Transformative Diplomatic Strategies for Contemporary Geopolitical Challenges

Organized by CIPR, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI), and Dubai Public Policy Research Centre (b’huth), on December 7 during the 2024 Doha Forum, this panel addressed the pressing need for innovative diplomatic approaches to tackle today’s complex geopolitical challenges. Moving beyond traditional diplomacy, innovative diplomatic approaches emphasized inclusivity, flexibility, and the integration of advanced technologies to engage diverse actors and foster collaborative initiatives. Attended by more than 150 participants, the session explored the foreign policies of Qatar, Germany, Italy, and the UAE, highlighting their innovative practices that promote dialogue, built consensus, and advance shared global goals.

5. Roundtable Discussion: EU – Iran Dialogue on Regional Stability

Organized by CIPR during the 2024 Doha Forum on December 8, this closed-door roundtable brought together academics and think tank experts to explore pathways for diplomatic engagement amid heightened tensions. The dialogue emphasized the importance of re-establishing trust between Iran and the West through economic cooperation, Track II diplomacy, and trilateral EU-GCC-Iran frameworks. Discussions highlighted Iran’s potential role as a regional stabilizer and the opportunities it presents for Europe to address energy and security concerns. The session underscored the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) potential role as a mediator between Iran and the west, giving its strategic position and interest in greater regional stability.

6. Roundtable Discussion: GCC-Nordic Countries Dialogue on Mediation

Organized by CIPR during the 24th edition of the Doha Forum on December 8, the GCC-Nordic Countries Dialogue on Mediation served as a track II platform to foster collaboration between research centers and think tanks in the two regions in fields of conflict resolution, mediation, and peacebuilding. The roundtable underscored the shared principles of both regions, highlighting their reputation as trusted mediators, pioneering humanitarian providers, and peacebuilding champions. The discussion focused on opportunities for joint initiatives, and the development of institutional partnerships to enhance mediation efforts. The session concluded with a commitment to further collaboration through academic exchanges, training programs, and the establishment of contact points between key institutions to build upon the dialogue’s outcomes.