Events

sef: Development and Peace Foundation is hosting an online series starting 01 October 2025. The international political order is facing its greatest test since the end of the Cold War. Geopolitical players are asserting their interests with little regard for international law, while at the same time the number of violent conflicts is increasing worldwide. Europe and Germany are facing the existential challenge of finding an independent role in this new global (dis) order.

The Bonn Symposium 2025 will therefore focus on Europe's possible future positions in these various international conflicts. How can it establish itself as an independent global player, so as not to be caught between other world powers? Can Europe simultaneously play to its strengths as a mediator between different positions? And what strategic direction should Germany pursue in this field of tension?

Sessions III  (12:30–13:30 CET)

A New Beginning or Old Ghosts? Syria’s New Order and Europe’s Response

After 13 years of civil war and the fall of dictator Bashar al-Assad, the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham(HTS) has taken control of Syria. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa is faced with the task of establishing a new political order and restoring the country’s ability to act internationally. He has promised to establish structures based on the rule of law and to grant equal rights to minorities, but recent documented massacres against Alawites make this seem more than doubtful. The potential impact of this change of power on Europe is considerable. The ideological and religious tensions in the region have long been fuelling extremism in other parts of the world, including Germany. How can Europe contribute to a new political order in Syria that secures long-term peace? What realistic paths are there to sustainable peace in the region? How should Germany position itself in this political transformation process?

Discussants

• Dr Reem Turkmani Assistant Professor, Middle East Centre, London School of Economics
• Dr Joseph Daher Associate Fellow, bicc 

Chair

bicc researcher Osman Bahadır Dinçer 

Register here for free.