What Israel’s Somaliland Move Could Mean for U.S. Policy and the Horn of Africa

Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland has sparked new debate in Washington and beyond, raising questions about shifting alliances, regional stability, and the future of U.S. engagement in the Horn of Africa.

In this virtual event hosted by the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI), a panel of experts will examine the geopolitical implications of this decision and what it could signal for American foreign policy moving forward.

Bringing together policymakers, scholars, and regional specialists, the discussion will explore the strategic, diplomatic, and security considerations surrounding Somaliland’s push for recognition.

With perspectives on great power competition, African geopolitics, and evolving global partnerships, the event offers a timely look at an issue gaining traction on the international stage.

Guest Speakers

• Bashir Goth – Somaliland’s Representative to the United States, with extensive experience in journalism, media, and diplomatic communications
• Joshua Meservey – Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute, specializing in African geopolitics, great power competition, and counterterrorism
• Michael Walsh – Senior research consultant on U.S. foreign policy, advising governments, multinational corporations, and think tanks; affiliated with Georgetown’s Foreign Service Institute
• Ambassador Charles A. Ray (Moderator) – Former U.S. Ambassador and Chair of the Africa Program at FPRI, with diplomatic experience in Cambodia and Zimbabwe