Transformation of the Middle East Region: Key Trends and Prospects

On May 22, 2025, the School of Regional Studies at the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs, HSE University, hosted an honorary lecture by Mr. Daban Shadala, Deputy Head of the Department of Foreign Relations of the Kurdistan Regional Government — the official governing body of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The topic of the event was “Transformation of the Middle East Region: Key Trends and Prospects.”

The meeting was opened by the moderator, Dr. Dmitry Yefremenko, Head of the School of Regional Studies, who warmly welcomed all participants and emphasized the importance of fostering international academic dialogue to better understand the complex transformation processes unfolding both in the Middle East and globally.

In his keynote speech, Mr. Shadala offered a comprehensive analysis of the ongoing transformations within the Middle East. He addressed the evolving political, social, and economic dynamics, and discussed the protracted Middle Eastern conflict and the intricate interplay between regional and global powers. Special attention was given to the developments in Syria and their broader implications.

Mr. Shadala also reflected on the current status and future prospects of the Kurdish autonomy in Iraq, highlighting both the challenges it faces and the opportunities for development and constructive engagement within a rapidly shifting international environment.

The lecture was attended by prominent Russian experts, including Professor Andrey Baklanov of the School of Regional Studies, HSE University, and Associate Professor Ikbal Durre from the Moscow State Linguistic University. The event concluded with an engaging discussion, during which the audience and experts actively exchanged views and posed thoughtful questions to the distinguished speaker.