Research, ideas, and leadership for a more secure, peaceful world

Past Event
Seminar

Did Democracy Promotion Cause the Arab Spring?

Open to the Public

THIS EVENT IS POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

The emerging dominant narrative of the Arab Spring, even as its direction continues to unfold in different ways, is one in which popular protest is driven by citizens who can no longer tolerate political and economic stagnation, the absence of basic religious and political freedoms, and top-down corruption within their national institutions. This seminar will explore the basis for an alternative explanation. Has the Arab Spring instead been facilitated and perhaps even hastened by democracy promotion over the past two decades?

Please join us! Coffee and tea provided. Everyone is welcome, but admittance will be on a first come–first served basis.

Date: Time: - Location: Malkin Penthouse, 4th Floor
In this Feb. 11, 2011 file photo, Egyptians celebrate the news of the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak, who handed control of the country to the military, at night in Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo, Egypt.

About

THIS EVENT IS POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

The emerging dominant narrative of the Arab Spring, even as its direction continues to unfold in different ways, is one in which popular protest is driven by citizens who can no longer tolerate political and economic stagnation, the absence of basic religious and political freedoms, and top-down corruption within their national institutions. From Tunisia to Egypt to Libya to Yemen, scholars and policymakers have focused on the absence of democracy in the lives of Arab citizens and have tended to treat indicators of state-led repression, limitations on civic and political life, and economic and political dysfunction as the primary causal mechanisms for the uprisings that have upended the relationship between the rulers and the ruled in the past year and a half. This seminar will explore the basis for an alternative explanation. Has the Arab Spring instead been facilitated and perhaps even hastened by democracy promotion over the past two decades?

Please join us! Coffee and tea provided. Everyone is welcome, but admittance will be on a first come–first served basis.