Egypt and the politics of change in the Arab world - Robert Bowker

Описание: For the first time in modern Arab political history, established authoritarian regimes have been overthrown by popular opposition in Tunisia and Egypt. Reflecting the significant changes that have taken place in Arab societal, economic and political culture over the past three decades, the popular expectations created by these revolutions are being felt across the entire region. The forces driving the demands for change are unstoppable, and they present new opportunities for the Arab world. But there are also important risks and challenges in the period ahead.

Professor Robert Bowker will review the recent developments, and examine their implications for the regional outlook and for external engagement with the region.

Robert Bowker has been Adjunct Professor in the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies (the Middle East and Central Asia), ANU, since July 2008. He retired from the Australian Foreign Service in June 2008 after a 37 year career specialising in Middle East and Islamic issues. He was Australian ambassador to Egypt (2005- 2008) and Jordan (1989-1992), in addition to postings in Syria (1979-1981) and Saudi Arabia (1974-1976). He was Visiting Reader at CAIS in 2004.

Professor Bowker is currently teaching a graduate course at the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies on political, economic and social change in the Arab world. His latest book Egypt and the Politics of Change in the Arab Middle East was published in 2010. He is also the author of Beyond Peace: the Search for Security in the Middle East, and Palestinian Refugees: Mythology, Identity and the Search for Peace.

Presented by the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies (The Middle East and Central Asia), ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences.