TRENDS Research and Advisory participated in the discussions and sessions of the King’s Geopolitics Forum, recently organized by King’s College London under the theme “Fixing a Fractured Middle East: Working Towards Peace”.
Abdulaziz Al-Shehhi, Senior Researcher and Deputy Head of the Research Sector at TRENDS, delivered a keynote address on regional conflicts and disputes. Hamad Al-Hosani, Senior Researcher and Head of Political Islam Studies Section at TRENDS, contributed to a panel discussion where he forecasted “The Future of Terrorism in 2025”.
Promoting International Dialogue
In his keynote address, Abdulaziz Al-Shehhi introduced TRENDS as a global think tank committed to providing strategic insights on issues affecting global stability. He emphasized that the Center, through its international offices, aims to foster global dialogue and build collaborative bridges with think tanks worldwide to disseminate knowledge and create a positive impact.
Al-Shehhi highlighted that recent terrorist developments in the Middle East pose an ongoing challenge to security and stability. The rise in terrorist activities, which endanger innocent lives and undermine the fabric and cohesion of societies, is particularly alarming. He stressed that resolving conflicts in the Middle East requires a comprehensive vision combining diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, alongside enhanced mediation and dialogue initiatives among conflicting parties. Achieving security in the region, he asserted, is impossible without addressing the root causes of conflicts, including military escalations and their catastrophic humanitarian repercussions.
Severe Humanitarian Repercussions
Abdulaziz Al-Shehhi emphasized that military escalations and regional conflicts not only threaten security but also have severe humanitarian repercussions that require decisive international intervention. He called for efforts to mitigate their impacts, ensure aid reaches those in need, and rebuild trust among affected communities. Al-Shehhi noted that enhancing security in the Middle East begins with political and economic stability, alongside forging international partnerships to strengthen security frameworks and rebuild nations impacted by conflicts and terrorism.
Exploiting Security Gaps
Hamad Al-Hosani, Senior Researcher and Head of Political Islam Studies Section at TRENDS, spoke during the session titled “The Future of Terrorism in 2025”. He highlighted the complex developments in counterterrorism efforts across the Arab region, noting that terrorism remains a shifting threat that necessitates flexible and cross-border strategies for effective response. Citing documented statistics, Al-Hosani revealed a significant increase in attacks carried out by ISIS in 2024 compared to 2023, reflecting the group’s adaptability and ability to exploit security gaps in certain areas.
Combating Extremist Ideologies
Al-Hosani stressed that intellectual security is not an option but a necessity requiring shared international attention. Developing this area, he argued, calls for comprehensive programs to enhance societal awareness and counter extremist ideologies in their early stages. He added that eliminating terrorism demands international cooperation that transcends immediate political interests, urging states to focus on sharing expertise and intelligence to bolster collective efforts. Al-Hosani concluded that the path to eradicating terrorism begins with practical solutions that support political and economic stability, ensuring the integration of security, military and intellectual efforts.
Additionally, researchers from TRENDS explored prospects for research and knowledge collaboration with Professor Adam Fagan, Vice President (Education & Student Success) at King’s College London, and Dr. Ferdinand Eibl, Senior Lecturer in Political Economy and Head of Postgraduate Studies at King’s College London. Both were awarded the TRENDS Research Medal in recognition of their academic careers and contributions to research and knowledge.