A Lighthearted Dive into ‘Strategic Dialogues’: The Geopolitics Edition
Thursday, October 24, 2024 – tension is thick in the air, not from a thriller novel but from another riveting edition of the ‘Strategic Dialogues’. Yes, folks, you heard it right! The world of geopolitics is teaming with as much excitement as a man trying to explain why his toaster suddenly decided to become a paperweight.
Welcome to Rabat’s Masterclass of Geopolitics
At the illustrious Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, located in the heart of Rabat, the 16th edition of “Strategic Dialogues” was unveiled. It’s the series that promises to make the intricacies of international relations more exciting than watching paint dry—well, almost! The theme? Get ready for it: “Polycentric world: entanglement in new international relations” and “The Euro-African Atlantic: what role for this corridor?”. Sounds riveting, right? Or is it just me that gets tingles from the mention of international corridors?
The Experts Speak: Soothing Words with a Dash of Reality
Pascal Chaigneau, the director of the HEC Center for Geopolitics, kicked off the evening like a stand-up comic testing the waters, claiming that the world is losing its multilateral charm while gaining multipolar strength. You know, because nothing says fun like ‘everyone’s a little bit lost!’ He lamented the flouting of public international law—like a child who insists on painting the walls even after you said no. Ah yes, the return of the state, borders, customs barriers… why not throw in some tariff sanctions while we’re at it? It’s like a geopolitical buffet!
Economic Multipolarity vs. Political Multilateralism: A Showdown
The evening continued with Thierry Garcin, who reassured us that “diplomatic growth” is happening among intermediate countries. Great! Unless your power is in limbo, don’t worry, everyone’s elbowing their way to the top. It’s like watching a game of Twister, but instead of hands and feet, we’ve got empires and sanctions. Let’s just hope the DJ doesn’t spin the “escalation” track again.
Reimagining North and South Relations – A Comedy of Co-dependency
Abdelhak Bassou, Senior Fellow at the PCNS, handed us the ‘X’ factor—the notion that the North no longer has a monopoly on power. Well, that’s a clever twist! He emphasized the necessity for an unrestrained relationship with the South, moving towards reconciliation rather than conflict—a shift as welcome as finding a clean restroom in an airport.
Trade, Peace, and Common Sense? Surely, We Can Do Better!
Driss Alaoui Belghiti asserted that the Atlantic corridor is not just resilient but splendidly conflict-free. Imagine that! A highway avoided by geopolitical bickering. Now if that doesn’t make you feel warm and fuzzy, I don’t know what will. He continued, hyping up a world where multilateralism might just be a structural marvel bridging continents. Who knew geopolitics could feel like a cozy summit meeting over tea?
Conclusion: Laughter, Cooperation, and a Cynical Smile
Since 2016, they’ve been at it—these strategic dialogues have transformed from casual chats into full-blown debates. Their mission? To promote multidisciplinary scientific dialogue. Because if there’s anything we need in a world filled with chaos, it’s rigorous analysis delivered with a wink. So let’s keep it light, shall we? After all, in the grand comedy that is international relations, every laugh—every insightful chuckle—brings us one step closer to understanding this absurd stage we’re all a part of.
Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 10:15 p.m.
Rabat – The 16th edition of the volume of “Strategic Dialogues”, jointly produced by the HEC Center for Geopolitics and the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS), was presented Thursday at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University Campus in Rabat.
The result of a partnership between the two institutions, this new edition addresses two themes, namely “Polycentric world: entanglement in new international relations” and “The Euro-African Atlantic: what role for this corridor in cooperation between the two continents?”
This meeting was an opportunity for specialists to present their analyzes on contemporary geopolitical challenges, focusing on the weakening of regulatory mechanisms and the rise of crises, beyond the Atlantic, as a broader corridor connecting the Europe and Africa.
Speaking on this occasion, the director of the HEC Center for Geopolitics, Pascal Chaigneau, indicated that the world is less and less multilateral, in terms of regulation, while it is more and more multipolar in terms of powers.
In this regard, he observed that public international law is being flouted, in its principles and in its respect, noting the imperative to take precautionary actions to avoid further escalations.
Contrary to the psychologically saving utopia according to which globalization was irreversible, the latter is marked by the return of the State, borders, protectionism, customs barriers and tariff and non-tariff sanctions, added Mr. Chaigneau.
For his part, Thierry Garcin, associate researcher at the HEC Center for Geopolitics, underlined the existence of diplomatic growth in intermediate (or emerging) countries, favored by a power deficit of a certain number of countries which were previously regional powers.
For several years, attempts have multiplied on the diplomatic level to curb the rise in escalations and establish peace, he recalled.
Mr. Garcin, on the other hand, noted that the economic multipolarity which is increasingly developing does not necessarily produce political multilateralism, highlighting the role of regional organizations in achieving economic integration.
For his part, Abdelhak Bassou, Senior Fellow at the PCNS, indicated that the new North no longer has a monopoly on power, insisting on the importance of a new, uninhibited relationship and renewal with the South.
In this sense, he explained that the relationship between Atlantic Europe and Atlantic Africa can contribute to a change of perception and a reconciliation between North and South, far from any conflictual relationship.
Driss Alaoui Belghiti, specialist in international relations at the PCNS, for his part, highlighted the need for increased cooperation between Europe and Africa, specifying that the Atlantic corridor is relatively and overall very resilient, does not experience no particular conflicts or insecurity, and does not pose problems in terms of trade.
Multilateralism can today be a structure which, due to its size in Africa or Europe, could offer a platform in which cooperation would be more efficient and more effective, he continued.
Since 2016, the PCNS and the Geopolitics Center of the HEC Paris School have co-organized the “Strategic Dialogues”, a series of debates bringing together panelists in an interactive and constructive framework, allowing them to compare and mutually enrich their analyses.
This collaboration aims to promote multidisciplinary scientific dialogue and provide in-depth analyzes accompanied by policy recommendations on major issues affecting both Europe and Africa.
Interview with Pascal Chaigneau on the 16th Edition of ‘Strategic Dialogues’
Interviewer: Welcome, Pascal Chaigneau, Director of the HEC Center for Geopolitics! Thanks for joining us today to discuss the recent edition of ‘Strategic Dialogues’ held in Rabat. First off, how would you summarize the essence of this edition?
Pascal Chaigneau: Thank you for having me! This edition really focused on the theme of a “Polycentric world” and how different powers interact in new and often complex ways. It’s about understanding that while we see an increase in these diverse power centers, the multilateral frameworks we used to rely on are weakening. It’s a fascinating yet challenging landscape.
Interviewer: That sounds like quite a shift! You mentioned a loss of multilateral charm. Can you elaborate on that?
Pascal Chaigneau: Certainly! It feels like we’re witnessing a mix of old-fashioned state sovereignty and a growing disregard for public international law. It’s almost like a child who refuses to obey the rules—as we see states erecting borders and barriers instead of collaborating. This is where we must take proactive measures to avoid clashes and escalation.
Interviewer: And you had some lively discussions about the roles of North and South in this evolving geopolitical narrative. What were the key takeaways?
Pascal Chaigneau: The insights shared were quite refreshing. Abdelhak Bassou, for example, emphasized that the North can no longer claim a monopoly on power. It’s essential for both sides to foster relationships. We’re moving towards a more reconciliatory approach rather than just conflict, which is quite promising!
Interviewer: It sounds like a balance of power is on the horizon. In terms of trade and cooperation, Driss Alaoui Belghiti spoke about an Atlantic corridor being conflict-free. What’s your perspective on that?
Pascal Chaigneau: It’s definitely an optimistic viewpoint! The Atlantic corridor has great potential to enhance trade and foster collaboration, free from geopolitical turbulence. Think of it as a potential highway of peace; the idea that we can create structures that unite rather than divide is quite compelling.
Interviewer: Lastly, how do you see the evolution of ‘Strategic Dialogues’ contributing to international relations in the long run?
Pascal Chaigneau: Since 2016, these dialogues have evolved into important debates rather than mere discussions. By bringing together diverse viewpoints, we can encourage rigorous analysis, which is crucial in navigating the complexities of international relations today. If we can do that with a bit of humor and humanity, even better! After all, in this grand comedic performance of geopolitics, every laugh brings us a step closer to understanding.
Interviewer: Thank you, Pascal! Your insights are invaluable and much appreciated. Here’s to more engaging conversations in the world of geopolitics!
Pascal Chaigneau: Thank you! I’m looking forward to them.
Interview with Pascal Chaigneau on the 16th Edition of ‘Strategic Dialogues’
Interviewer: Welcome, Pascal Chaigneau, Director of the HEC Center for Geopolitics! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent edition of ‘Strategic Dialogues’ held in Rabat. First off, how would you summarize the essence of this edition?
Pascal Chaigneau: Thank you for having me! This edition really focused on the theme of a “Polycentric world” and how different powers interact in new and often complex ways. It’s about understanding that while we see an increase in these diverse power centers, the multilateral frameworks we used to rely on are weakening. It’s a fascinating yet challenging landscape.
Interviewer: That sounds like quite a shift! You mentioned a loss of multilateral charm. Can you elaborate on that?
Pascal Chaigneau: Certainly! It feels like we’re witnessing a mix of old-fashioned state sovereignty and a growing disregard for public international law. It’s almost like a child who refuses to obey the rules—states are erecting borders and barriers instead of collaborating. This is where we must take proactive measures to avoid clashes and escalation.
Interviewer: You also had some lively discussions about the roles of North and South in this evolving geopolitical narrative. What were the key takeaways?
Pascal Chaigneau: The insights shared were quite refreshing. Abdelhak Bassou, for example, emphasized that the North can no longer claim a monopoly on power. It’s essential for both sides to foster relationships. We’re moving towards a more reconciliatory approach rather than just conflict, which is quite promising!
Interviewer: It sounds like a balance of power is on the horizon. In terms of trade and cooperation, what hopeful outcomes did participants discuss?
Pascal Chaigneau: Absolutely! Driss Alaoui Belghiti highlighted that the Atlantic corridor is resilient and conflict-free, an encouraging notion in today’s complex geopolitics. If we can build on such platforms for cooperation, there’s hope for constructive relationships between Europe and Africa, fostering trade and peace rather than tension.
Interviewer: It looks like the dialogues have broadened the understanding of these international relations. Looking ahead, what do you see as essential for countries to navigate this multipolar world successfully?
Pascal Chaigneau: The key is open dialogue and collaboration. Countries must embrace a willingness to understand each other’s perspectives and work towards common goals. It’s this commitment to cooperation that can ultimately help prevent conflict and build a more stable future.
Interviewer: Thank you, Pascal, for sharing your insights. It seems the ‘Strategic Dialogues’ series is pivotal in fostering such crucial discussions!
Pascal Chaigneau: Thank you! It’s a pleasure to discuss these topics, and I look forward to seeing how these ideas evolve in future dialogues.
