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International Political Shifts and Prospects in Europe

Events of disruption and change are unfolding in the vicinity of Europe.

International political shifts, exploring potential advantages for Europe
International political shifts, exploring potential advantages for Europe

International Political Shifts and Prospects in Europe

In the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and Africa, Europe finds itself at a crossroads. A series of recent developments have highlighted the need for actionable and pragmatic strategies to ensure sustainability, security, and prosperity.

One significant trend is the shifting influence in the region. Jerusalem, with its strategic interests aligned, is likely to establish special relations with the Kurdish region, seeking a weak Damascus. Meanwhile, Turkey is gaining ground, particularly in Azerbaijan, where it has made inroads in energy, politics, IT, and the military.

However, Europe's political leadership seems to be neglecting its neighborhood policies. This neglect is a concern, especially in the context of Turkey and Israel, the main regional strongholds. Allies needed for Europe's neighborhood policies are Turkiye, Israel, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, given their aligned interests.

Pragmatism and renouncement of criticisms towards these nations are required for alliances. Russia, which has traditionally held influence in the region, is losing its grip on some former members of the Soviet Union in the Caucasus, the Caspian basin, and Central Asia. Ankara, too, has close ties with Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.

Europe's influence in Africa has waned due to perceived arrogance, particularly under President Emmanuel Macron of France. China, on the other hand, is showing interest in these areas, a development not in Europe's interest. Less protectionism and bureaucratic barriers are needed for Africa's development, a lesson Europe can learn from the African investment and free trade policies of Turkiye, Israel, and GCC countries.

The Iranian regime, supporting terrorism and striving to become a nuclear power, is in crisis. Its role as a regional power in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean has been weakened. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and states of the Gulf Cooperation Council are observing the Eastern Mediterranean.

Ankara is interested in a robust centralized state in Syria to avoid wide autonomy or independence of the Kurdish region in the north. However, there is no specific political alliance comprising European states together with Turkey, Israel, and GCC countries explicitly named in the search results. Such an alliance would likely focus on cooperation in economic, security, and regional stability areas, involving shared goals like trade facilitation, counter-terrorism, and diplomatic collaboration.

In conclusion, Europe's geopolitical position requires a shift towards pragmatism and cooperation. Learning from the strategies of Turkiye, Israel, and GCC countries in Africa, and re-establishing working relationships with Turkiye and Israel for peace, could be crucial steps in this direction. The neglect of neighborhood policies and the waning influence in Africa are concerns that need immediate attention. Europe's future in these regions hinges on its ability to adapt and collaborate effectively.

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