The upheaval in the Middle East and North Africa is symptomatic of a region in transition with multiple interlinking subplots and struggles. Political transitions can take decades, and at the seventh year of the process, we are still at the beginning. One fundamental transition began with the 2011 popular Arab revolts that toppled leaders, sparked protests and was countered by forces opposed to change. The process has since turned violent and been marked by brutal repression. In some countries, protests are par for the course.
In other words, discontent is still simmering at the surface. Middle Eastern leaders are not oblivious, but have not responded with political reform. To add to this explosive brew, Saudi Arabia is in an existential battle with Iran and, together with the UAE, is using coercion to mould the region in its image.
Dr James M. Dorsey has covered the Middle East and the Islamic world for more than 40 years, lived in ten countries across the region, and met many of its leaders. He will try to make sense of a region that is confounding to outsiders and whose tribulations are felt across the globe, including Southeast Asia.
MEET THE SPEAKER
Senior Fellow, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies; Co-director of the University of Würzburg’s Institute for Fan Culture. Co-host of the ‘New Books in Middle Eastern Studies’ podcast.
 | Dr James M. Dorsey is a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, co-director of the University of Würzburg’s Institute for Fan Culture, and co-host of the 'New Books in Middle Eastern Studies' podcast. |
This event is presented by The HEAD Foundation, a Singapore-based think tank devoted to research and policy influence in education and leadership, for development in Asia.
Admission is free.
Disclaimer: The views expressed by the speaker in this talk are their own and do not represent the opinions of The HEAD Foundation.
