List All News Articles

Debate on “Models for Peace in the Middle East: Trump’s 20 Point Plan?” was held at EMU

Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), in collaboration with the Cyprus Policy Center (CPC), the Department of Political Science and International Relations (PSIR), and the Pugwash International Relations Club, organized a debate titled “Models for Peace in the Middle East: Trump’s 20-Point Plan?”. The event brought together students to critically examine the feasibility, implications, and controversies surrounding former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed peace framework for the region.

The session opened with introductory remarks by Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sözen, Chair of EMU CPC and the PSIR Department. In his speech, Prof. Dr. Sözen provided a concise overview of Trump’s 20-point plan, outlining its main components, the historical context in which it was introduced, and the broader debates it has generated in international relations. He highlighted the importance of exposing students to competing perspectives on peace processes, particularly in regions as complex and multilayered as the Middle East.

Following the introduction, the debate—moderated by PSIR student Kareem Wail—featured contributions from Ghayda Shanbur, Junisa Brima, Çağan Mamülcü, and Halef Kurt. Under Wail’s moderation, the speakers engaged in a dynamic and analytical exchange, presenting contrasting perspectives: while some highlighted aspects of the plan they found promising, others critically questioned its underlying assumptions, legitimacy, and potential consequences.

Through contrasting analyses, the debate provided a rich intellectual environment for examining the complexities of peace initiatives in the Middle East. The event underscored EMU’s commitment to fostering critical thinking, pluralistic dialogue, and informed engagement with contemporary global issues.