School of Social and Political Science

Description

The Middle East is embarking on a new order wherein regional power relations are shifting in a dramatic manner, particularly since October 7 2023. How this order will unfold, and its global and regional consequences, are tightly related to an emerging world order that the new U.S. administration is bringing about through radical shifts in many policies. In this conversation we will explore the regional and global prospects of those shifts and the possible British role in shaping them, with former British Ambassador Nicholas Hopton. Among other themes this conversation will touch on questions related to the current situation in Palestine/ Israel, regime change in Syria and its future sustainability, the Israeli targeting of the Iranian-led axis and what that means for regional stability, and the current Saudi role in facilitating dialogue around ending the war in Ukraine. 

Nicholas Hopton Bio

Nicholas Hopton served as the British Ambassador to Libya (2019-21), Iran (2015-18), Qatar (2013-15), and Yemen (2012-13). He was also posted as a diplomat to Paris, Rome, Morocco and Mauritania.

At home, he worked in the Foreign Office, Cabinet Office and No. 10, including: leading the team that drafted the UK’s first National Security Strategy (2008); senior UK official at the Perth Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting (2011); and Private Secretary to four UK Government Ministers for Europe (1998-2000).

Throughout his 35-year diplomatic career, Nicholas focused on advancing UK interests and building partnerships, including in some of the world’s most challenging environments. 

Nicholas Hopton is the Director General of The Middle East Association and also runs a geopolitical consultancy, Belmont Advisory Limited. He is a Distinguished Fellow at RUSI.