Prof. Dr. Eckart Woertz

Today, the United States’ invasion of Iraq in 2003 is widely regarded as a strategic failure that caused tremendous humanitarian suffering, especially in its aftermath. Two decades later there is a shift in memory culture toward the inclusion of more Iraqi voices and alternative approaches.

The Iraq War of 2003 has been described as a conflict over the meaning of Europe between a transatlantic and a more independent, “Carolingian” vision of the continent. As such, it highlighted the continued importance of a US-led NATO for defining such meaning.

From the Gaza War to other regional conflicts and the lasting importance of oil, the Middle East and North Africa region remains pivotal for Europe. We present ten issues that will play a central role in the relationship between both regions in the year ahead.

Ukraine is an untapped asset. It presents opportunities both nationally and for Europe as an engine of foreign policy in a century troubled by climate change and resources scarcity. Its 32 million ha of arable could easily become 40 million ha which would add 25% of new cropland to the European Union – from 160 million to 200 million ha – making Europe the world’s largest agricultural producer.

Im Libanon explodieren bei zwei Detonationen zahlreiche Funkgeräte von Hisbollah-Mitgliedern. Dabei habe die Miliz "massiv an Glaubwürdigkeit verloren und muss reagieren", erklärt der Nahost-Experte und Direktor des GIGA Instituts für Nahost-Studien Eckart Woertz.

Organiser: Bielefeld University Prof. Dr. Eckart Woertz (Speaker)

Gespräch Ringvorlesung Forum Offene Wissenschaft

This roundtable discussion targets academics, policymakers, and experts from various regions, including Iraq, Germany, Europe, and the Mashriq with expertise in environmental studies, migration, climate policy, social sciences, and public administration. They are actively engaged in research, policy development, and implementation related to environmental crises, migration dynamics, and climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. Organised with generous funding from the DAAD Ta’ziz Programm.

Universität Hamburg Hamburg Germany

University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland

Seminar an der Universität Zürich