Launch of The Four Seas Initiative

Join New Lines for the launch of a new policy framework connecting the Gulf, Eurasia, and Europe through energy and trade.
About this Event

New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy invites you to the public launch of the Four Seas Initiative, a new policy framework proposing a Syria–Türkiye energy and transit corridor linking the Persian Gulf, Caspian Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and Black Sea.

Modeled on the Three Seas Initiative, the Four Seas framework outlines a multilateral approach to energy security, regional connectivity, and reconstruction. It aims to reduce European dependence on Russian and Iranian energy, anchor Gulf investment in Western-aligned infrastructure, and support Syria’s reconstruction through sustainable transit revenues and regional economic integration.

The launch marks the public release of the Four Seas policy report, authored by Dr. Azeem Ibrahim OBE and Themistoklis Asthenidis. The event will convene ambassadors, senior officials, policymakers, regional specialists, and leading analysts for a timely discussion on the geopolitical and economic dimensions of the framework and the emerging post-Assad strategic landscape.

Discussions will examine:

• The strategic rationale for a new Gulf-to-Europe energy and transit corridor
• The role of Syria and Türkiye in reshaping regional connectivity
• European energy security and diversification away from Russian and Iranian supplies
• Opportunities for Gulf investment in infrastructure and reconstruction
• The political and economic conditions necessary for implementing the Four Seas framework

Agenda

10:00–10:10 AM | Opening Remarks and Presentation of the Initiative

• Dr. Azeem Ibrahim OBE, New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy
• Themistoklis Asthenidis, New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy

10:10–10:35 AM | Invited Policy and Diplomatic Remarks
Opening remarks from invited U.S. policymakers and diplomatic representatives from countries central to the Four Seas framework, including Syria, Türkiye, and Iraq.
Participation subject to confirmation.

10:35–11:35 AM | Panel I: The Political Economy of the Four Seas Initiative
Moderator: Dr. Dania Arayssi, New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy

Panelists:

• Tim Callen, Arab Gulf States Institute
• Mirette Mabrouk, Middle East Institute
• Karam Shaar, Karam Shaar Advisory

11:35–11:50 AM | Audience Q&A

11:50 AM–12:50 PM | Working Lunch

12:50–1:50 PM | Panel II: The Politics of the Four Seas Initiative
Moderator: Dr. Sultan Alamer

Panelists:

• Wa’el Alzayat, U.S.–Syria Business Council
• Charles Lister, Middle East Institute
• Defne Arslan, Atlantic Council Turkey Programs

1:50–2:05 PM | Audience Q&A

2:05–2:15 PM | Closing Remarks

• Dr. Dania Arayssi, New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy