A Symposium on “The War in Ukraine and the MENA Countries”
as part of the 19th Annual International Conference on Mediterranean Studies
30-31 March & 1-2 April 2026, Athens, Greece
The Athens Institute is organizing a Symposium on “The War in Ukraine and the MENA Countries” as part of the 19th Annual International Conference on Mediterranean Studies, 30-31 March & 1-2 April 2026, Athens, Greece, sponsored by the Athens Journal of Mediterranean Studies.
The ongoing war in Ukraine has generated profound geopolitical, economic, and humanitarian repercussions far beyond Europe. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region—deeply intertwined with both Russian and Western economic and security networks—faces unique challenges and opportunities amid these shifts. From energy security and trade disruptions to food supply crises, strategic realignments, and information wars, the conflict’s ripple effects are reshaping regional and global orders.
This symposium aims to bring together scholars, analysts, and policymakers to examine the multiple dimensions of this evolving relationship between the Ukraine conflict and the MENA region.
Proposals are welcomed that explore the multifaceted implications of the War in Ukraine for the MENA region. Topics may include the economic and energy repercussions of sanctions and shifting oil markets, the
Gulf states’ strategic balancing between Russia and the West, and the impact of disrupted grain exports onregional food security. Contributors are invited to examine evolving diplomatic alignments involving Turkey, Iran, and Israel, as well as the dynamics of information warfare, media narratives, and public opinion across the region. Submissions may also address humanitarian and refugee challenges, Europe–MENA cooperation within a changing security environment, and the Global South’s role in future mediation and reconstruction efforts.
Selected papers will be considered for publication in a special issue of the Athens Journal of Mediterranean Studies, subject to peer review and editorial approval.
You may participate as a presenter of one paper and/or an attendee.
Please submit an abstract (email only) to: atiner@atiner.gr, using the abstract submission form by 2 December 2025 to Dr. Gregory T. Papanikos, President, Athens Institute. Abstracts should include the following: Title of Paper, Full Name (s), Affiliation, Current Position, an email address, and at least 3 keywords that best describe the subject of your submission. Decisions are reached within 4 weeks.
Fee structure information is available on www.atiner.gr/fees.
Special arrangements will be made with a local hotel for a limited number of rooms at a special conference rate. In addition, a number of special events will be organized, including a pragmatic symposium (as organized in Ancient Athens but fine-tuned to synchronous ethics), a special one-day educational island tour, a Mycenae and island of Poros visit, an Athens educational walking tour, a day trip to Delphi, and an ancient Corinth and Cape Sounion visit. Details of the social program are available here.
