Crossroads of the Three Continents Seminar

U.S. National Security – Europe, The Middle East and Africa

Program Description

This vast zone—what we call the Central Hemisphere—sits at the crossroads of the world’s most important flows of energy, trade, capital, data, and people. It includes Europe’s advanced industrial economies, the Middle East’s critical energy and financial hubs, and Africa’s rapidly growing cities and populations. Together, these regions form a continuous geopolitical and geo-economic arena that connects the Atlantic, Mediterranean, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean systems.

The Central Hemisphere is also the stage for some of the defining strategic challenges of the 21st century. The war in Ukraine has reshaped European security and revitalized NATO. The Middle East remains a critical node in global energy markets and a focal point of regional competition. The 2026 Iran War has reasserted the region’s centrality to global hydrocarbons flows and supply chains, but also its ongoing instability.

Meanwhile, Africa’s demographic growth, urban expansion, and resource endowments are drawing increasing global attention and competition. External powers, including China and Russia, are expanding their economic and strategic presence across this integrated space through infrastructure projects, energy investments, security partnerships, and technology networks.

Understanding the Central Hemisphere therefore requires moving beyond traditional regional silos and examining the political, economic, and strategic connections linking Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This special one-day program brings together experts in diplomacy, economics, security, and geopolitics to explore the evolving dynamics of the Central Hemisphere and its growing importance in global affairs.

The seminar faculty will explore:

  • Defining the Central Hemisphere: Europe, the Middle East, and Africa as a Single Strategic System
  • NATO, European Security, and the Strategic Consequences of the War in Ukraine
  • Energy Flows Across the Central Hemisphere: Oil, Gas, Renewables, and Critical Minerals
  • The Mediterranean as a Strategic Corridor Linking Three Continents
  • Africa’s Demographic Transformation and Its Global Economic Implications
  • Gulf States as Global Financial and Logistics Hubs
  • Strategic Waterways: The Suez Canal, Bab el-Mandeb, Strait of Hormuz, Turkish Straits, and Eastern Mediterranean
  • China and Russia’s Expanding Presence Across the Central Hemisphere
  • Trade, Infrastructure, and the Future of Eurasia-Africa Connectivity
  • Migration, Urbanization, and the Changing Societies of the Central Hemisphere
  • The Role of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa in the Emerging Global Order
  • The Iran War and its Global Impact
  • The Central Asia ‘Stans’ and Great Power Competition

The above topics may change to address current events and interests of the participants at the time of the seminar.

Available Formats/Delivery Options

These programs are designed to be delivered at U.S. military field locations.

Pricing will include program design and development, all faculty travel, expenses, speaker and moderator fees, program materials and associated overhead.

Each program will feature five separate presentations followed by an interactive afternoon panel discussion with the group.

The programs can also be delivered virtually from our in-house broadcast studio.

Please call 703-684-8807 or email [email protected] for further information and pricing

 

End-to-end, an amazing group of speakers, with most diverse backgrounds. I could listen to each of the speakers for hours on end. Their collective knowledge is truly incredible.

M. Chi, Defense Acquisition University - San Diego

Format is terrific! Lots of speakers from across government enterprise and no power points. Plenty of time for engaging dialogue. I love to hear what experts and insiders have to say about out WDC enterprise.

J. Haywood, Wright Patterson Air Force Base

This is the best and most informative array of speakers I have ever had the pleasure to hear!

K. Buckley, Air Force

Great speakers with decades of experience. Really appreciate the experience and perspectives.

Attendee, Joint Enabling Capabilities Command • Professional Development Course February 2017

The speakers were excellent & the seminar was well-organized. I would definitely attend a future Alan Freed event.

S.F., Department of Homeland Security • Global Security Seminar February 2017