The Arab Spring - one year on
Date: 12 June 2012
For two centuries, both British and French have viewed the Middle East as an area of vital interest. Their behaviour there has often been characterised by open competition (Fashoda), by misunderstanding and confrontation (Syria), by unhappy co-operation (Suez), or by straightforward political differences (Iraq).
The Arab Spring, however, holds out new opportunities to the Western world in general and to Britain and France in particular. A more democratic Arab world, openly sharing some common values with the West, would free democracies from the awkward choices of the past two decades, between secular but authoritarian leaders and Islamists with apparently widespread public support.
For the British and French, the last year has offered a tangible and successful experience of diplomatic and military co-operation in the region.
The seminar to be held in Paris will aim to make a realistic assessment of the likely impact on the region of the Arab Spring in the short and medium term, to analyse the opportunities available to Britain and France in this context and to explore ways in which Britain and France can co-operate to build on such opportunities.