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In this panel discussion, the Regional Program Political Dialogue South Mediterranean of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS PolDiMed) will explore how regime change has affected Sudan's international relations. Our panelists will seek to address the following themes and questions:

Sudan and great powers.
How likely is a recission of Sudan's US State Sponsor of Terrorism designation in light of the upcoming American presidential election? What would be the likely effects of a recission? What other obstacles remain on the path to full normalization with the US and Europe? In the 1990s and 2000s, Sudan, facing isolation from the West, turned to Asia — mainly China — and Russia. Can Khartoum maintain close cooperation with these countries in the event of normalization with the US, especially in light of growing antagonism between the US and China?

Sudan in its regional environment.
Sudan in 2020 has moved away from Ethiopia and closer to Egypt in the tripartite negotiations of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which is nearing completion. What are the reasons for this shift? Is it representative of a broader change of Sudan's attitude towards its neighbors, or has continuity otherwise prevailed? What is the division of labor between civilian and military components of the transitional authorities when it comes to relations with Sudan's neighbors? How does Sudan affect, or is affected by, instability in neighbors such as Ethiopia, South Sudan, Libya and Chad?

Foreign influence on the transition.
What has been the impact of Sudan’s new patronage — mainly from the UAE and Saudi Arabia — on the national political process in Khartoum? How have Qatar and Turkey reacted to their sidelining by the transitional authorities? Are foreign influences playing a role in the current dynamics of instability in peripheral regions of Sudan such as Darfur, Eastern Sudan, or Southern Kordofan? What are the factors likely to encourage or discourage further foreign meddling in Sudan's fragile transition?

Register here for the Online Seminar.