15 Oct THE SAHEL AND IRAN: TWO GEOPLITICAL CHALLENGES FOR EUROPE
The Sahel and Iran: Two Geopolitical Challenges for Europe is an in-depth seminar examining two regions whose political, security and geopolitical dynamics have a direct impact on Europe.
Drawing on Ambassador Ángel Losada’s diplomatic experience in the Sahel and Iran, the seminar combines historical context with the analysis of current political, security and strategic challenges. It focuses on the Sahel as a region of instability, weak governance, violent extremism and competing international strategies, and on Iran as a major regional power whose relations with Europe are shaped by its political evolution, nuclear programme, regional role and confrontation with the United States and Israel.
The seminar will pay particular attention to the peace process in Mali and the evolution and failure of European engagement in the Sahel, as well as to Iran’s nuclear programme, the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and the changing geopolitical environment surrounding Iran. Students will examine the role of the European Union, the United Nations and other international and regional actors, while assessing the implications for European security, energy, trade and strategic interests.
The central aim is to enable students to connect regional developments with broader European geopolitical interests, critically assess international strategies and develop practical, forward-looking policy responses.
ANGEL LOSADA
Losada Fernández, Ángel. Former Spanish Ambassador to Iran, Nigeria, Kuwait, and EU Special Representative for the Sahel. Ambassador Losada Fernández brings extensive diplomatic experience, particularly in critical regions such as Iran, the Sahel, and Afghanistan. In addition to being a Spanish diplomat, he has served as an international official for the United Nations, NATO, and the European Union. As the former EU Special Representative for the Sahel and EU mediator in the Mali peace process, he has played a key role in shaping and implementing European policies in this strategic region. His deep understanding of security dynamics in Africa and the Middle East makes him a leading voice on diplomacy, conflict prevention, and international cooperation in areas of high geopolitical complexity. He brings a wealth of global experience to his engagements with students and future leaders at IE University.
Skills
1. By the end of the seminar, students will be able to identify and explain the main geopolitical, political and security factors shaping the Sahel and Iran and their relevance for Europe.
2. Students will critically analyse major security and governance challenges in both regions and evaluate the effectiveness and limitations of international responses, using real-world case studies.
3. Students will assess the role and interests of key international and regional actors—including the EU, UN, Spain, France, the United States, Russia, China and regional powers—and their impact on regional stability.
4. Students will compare the strategic challenges posed by the Sahel and Iran and develop actionable recommendations addressing a concrete European policy challenge.
5. Students will demonstrate the ability to connect historical, political, economic and security dynamics to changing geopolitical environments and to communicate their conclusions clearly in policy-oriented formats.
Schedule
Which dates?
03-mar
10-mar
17-mar
07-apr
14-apr
21-apr
What day?
Wednesdays
What time?
12.30- 14.00
