This seminar, organized by the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), aimed at exploring the ongoing and future developments in the Middle East and the growing destruction of the old regional order. Particular attention was devoted to the case of Syria and the ramifications of the conflict there, by analyzing the stances and interests of several regional and international players. Another highlighted point was the nature and sustainability of the alliances in and on the region as a key aspect to assess the future regional order. Dr. Nassif was invited to participate in this seminar as part of the Jean Monnet Project, enhancing therefore the cooperation plan with the IAI, especially in terms of research.