The political and social upheaval ignited by the Arab uprisings shows little sign of abating, the Project on Middle East Political Science (POMEPS) notes. U.S. and international policymakers continue to struggle with their response to the turmoil, including state collapse and the rise of radical jihadism in Syria, Iraq and Yemen; the fragmentation of political authority in Libya; fragile transitions in Egypt and Tunisia; and the longer-term economic and political challenges facing oil-rich Arab Gulf states.
Political, socio-religious and economic exclusion and lack of pluralism are among the most significant catalysts of instability throughout the region. Basic grievances that initially triggered the uprisings remain unaddressed, youth are further disenchanted and marginalized, and minority voices remain unheard as Arab states face a rising tide of extremism and economic challenges.
A one-day conference – “Building Pluralistic and Inclusive States Post-Arab Spring” – will showcase findings from a two-year study on the state of pluralism and inclusion in the Middle East supported by the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Co-hosted by the Baker Institute Center for the Middle East and the Project on Middle East Political Science (POMEPS) at The George Washington University, the conference provides a forum to identify effective and sustainable policy options that foster more inclusive and pluralistic systems in the region.
Afternoon Keynote Address by Amy Hawthorne – Deputy Director for Research, Project on Middle East Democracy [a grantee of the National Endowment for Democracy].
When: September 13, 2018 8:00am – 3:00pm
Where: Elliott School of International Affairs, Room 602
More information and the full agenda can be found here.
For registration assistance, contact Sarah Smati at 713-591-0504 or sls15@rice.edu.
