"Military victory, diplomatic leverage" means to achieve peace, Panikoff
He further highlighted the role of proxy actors in regional conflicts, stating, "Proxies have a political role, but at the end of the day, proxies are there to be spoilers, not peacemakers."
Nov. 22, 2024
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The highly anticipated Middle East Peace Summit 2024 (MEPS24) commenced with its first session, titled "Roadmaps to Peace: De-Escalation, Consensus & Stability." The session, held at the American University of Kurdistan in Duhok, featured distinguished experts and policymakers discussing strategies to resolve conflicts and foster stability in the region.
Jonathan Panikoff, Director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council, presented a pragmatic view of peacebuilding, emphasizing the dual pathways through which peace is often achieved: "Peace is achieved through these two means: military victory and diplomatic leverage."
He further highlighted the role of proxy actors in regional conflicts, stating, "Proxies have a political role, but at the end of the day, proxies are there to be spoilers, not peacemakers."
De-Escalation and Consensus as Pillars of Stability
The session explored critical mechanisms for achieving peace in the Middle East, with panelists underlining the importance of de-escalation and building consensus among stakeholders. Participants examined how regional conflicts, often complicated by external influences and proxy involvement, require innovative and inclusive approaches to secure sustainable solutions.
The opening discussions laid the groundwork for more in-depth dialogues throughout the summit, with subsequent sessions expected to delve into the interplay between regional dynamics, global power politics, and the pursuit of lasting peace.
MEPS24 continues to serve as a vital platform for fostering dialogue and cooperation among Middle Eastern leaders, global policymakers, and academic experts.