Steven Heydemann
Senior Adviser for Middle East Initiatives
![heydemann_300.jpg heydemann_300.jpg](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121007143046im_/http://www.usip.org/files/imagecache/specialist_headshot/heydemann_300.jpg)
Contact
Please submit all media inquiries to interviews@usip.org or call 202.429.3869.
For all other inquiries, please call 202.457.1700.
Languages: Arabic, Hebrew
Steven Heydemann, Ph.D., serves as Senior Adviser for Middle East Initiatives at USIP. Heydemann is a political scientist who specializes in the comparative politics and the political economy of the Middle East, with a particular focus on Syria. His interests include authoritarian governance, economic development, social policy, political and economic reform and civil society.
From 2003 to 2007, Heydemann directed the Center for Democracy and Civil Society at Georgetown University. From 1997 to 2001, he was an associate professor in the department of political science at Columbia University. Earlier, from 1990-1997, he directed the Social Science Research Council’s Program on International Peace and Security and Program on the Near and Middle East.
Among his many publications are: "Social Pacts and the Persistence of Authoritarianism in the Middle East," in Debating Arab Authoritarianism: Dynamics and Durability in Non-Democratic Regimes. Ed. Oliver Schlumberger (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2007); "Upgrading Authoritarianism in the Arab World," (Saban Center, Brookings Institution, November 2007); Networks of Privilege in the Middle East: The Politics of Economic Reform Revisited, edited volume (Palgrave Press, 2004); War, Institutions and Social Change in the Middle East, edited volume (University of California Press, 2000), and Authoritarianism in Syria: Institutions and Social Conflict, 1946-1970 (Cornell University Press, 1999).
Publications:
- Re-thinking Western Policies in Light of the Arab Uprisings
IAI Research Paper | April 2012
CH. 1: Embracing the Change, Accepting the Challenge? Western Response to the Arab Spring by Steven Heydemann - Globalization, Philanthropy, and Civil Society: Projecting Institutional Logics Abroad, co-edited with David C. Hammack (Indiana University Press, 2009).
- "Institutions and Economic Performance: The Use and Abuse of Culture in New Institutional Economics," Studies in Comparative International Development, (March 2008).
- "Social Pacts and the Persistence of Authoritarianism in the Middle East," in Debating Arab Authoritarianism: Dynamics and Durability in Non-Democratic Regimes. Ed. Oliver Schlumberger (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2007), pp 21-38.
- "The Challenge of Political Islam: Understanding the US Debate," The Challenge of Islamists for EU and US Policies: Conflict, Stability and Reform." (SWP and USIP, November 2007).
- "Upgrading Authoritarianism in the Arab World," (Saban Center, Brookings Institution, October 2007).
- The Legitimacy of Philanthropic Foundations: United States And European Perspectives, co-edited volume (Russell Sage Foundation Press, 2006).
- Networks of Privilege in the Middle East: The Politics of Economic Reform Revisited, edited volume (Palgrave Press 2004).
- War, Institutions and Social Change in the Middle East, edited volume (University of California Press, 2000).
- Authoritarianism in Syria: Institutions and Social Conflict, 1946-1970, (Cornell University Press, 1999).
- "In the Shadow of Democracy," Middle East Journal, Vol. 60, No. 1 (Winter 2006).
- "La question de la democratie dans les travaux sur le monde arabe," (Critique Internationale, October 2002).
- "Middle East Studies After 9/11: Defending the Discipline," (Journal of Democracy, July 2002).
- Unlocking the Employment Potential in the Middle East and North Africa: Toward a New Social Contract, (contributing author, World Bank, 2003).
- "Lebanon After Elections: The End of the Beginning." al-Majalla, July 2009 (cover essay in Arabic and English-language editions).
- "The Return of Local Politics in Lebanon?" al-Majalla, June 7, 2009 (cover essay in Arabic and English-language editions).
Publications & Tools
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October 2012
Several Syrian opposition activists engaged in a project known as “The Day After” appeared at the USIP on October 4 to discuss the challenges of achieving a post-Assad democratic transition amid intensifying violence, militarization of the revolution, sectarian tensions and repression by the Syrian regime. |
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September 2012
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Olive Branch Post
by Steven Heydemann
Steven Heydeman, USIP's senior adviser for Middle East Initiatives, discusses The Day After project and the support it has received since the Septeber 10 launch in Berlin. |
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September 2012
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Olive Branch Post
by Liz Harper
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday said that the U.N.’s Syria mediator Lakhdar Brahimi will meet with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad when he travels to the country later this week. |
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August 2012
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Olive Branch Post
by Gordon Lubold
International leaders are increasingly speculating that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's days are numbered, as calls for his peaceful departure grow louder. But, in the case he is toppled, what happens in the aftermath of regime collapse? |
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August 2012
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On the Issues
by Steven Heydemann
USIP's senior adviser for Middle East initiatives, Steven Heydemann, discusses “The Day After” project, a Syrian-led effort to plan for a post-Assad transition. |
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July 2012
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Olive Branch Post
by Gordon Lubold
Gordon Lubold updates the situation in Syria after a bomb attack killed three of President Bashar al-Assad’s top aides with news and analysis from The New York Times and USIP experts. |
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June 2012
The U.S. Institute of Peace hosted a group of senior Pakistani media representatives June 19 to discuss the complex role that the new Pakistani media plays in shaping both domestic and international policies. |
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May 2012
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Olive Branch Post
by Steven Heydemann
USIP’s Steven Heydemann looks ahead to Syria’s parliamentary elections scheduled for May 7. Countries: Syria
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Political Reform, Post-Conflict and Peacekeeping Activities, Rule of Law
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April 2012
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News Feature
by Steven Heydemann
One week after the first United Nation monitors arrived in Syria to oversee implementation of the peace plan negotiated by U.N. Special Envoy Kofi Annan, conditions on the ground have already made it irrelevant. What remains to be seen is how long it will take for the international community to acknowledge its failure and press ahead with its collective efforts to bring about a democratic transition in Syria. |
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April 2012
C-SPAN’s “Washington Journal” aired live from USIP’s headquarters on April 10. USIP President Richard Solomon, along with Andrew Wilder and Steven Heydemann, discussed the Institute’s cost-effective role in conflict zones across the globe. Countries: Afghanistan, Syria
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Mediation and Facilitation, Negotiation and Diplomacy, Post-Conflict and Peacekeeping Activities, Training
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April 2012
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News Feature
by Liz Harper
Syrian forces continued to pound cities across the nation, despite a United Nations-brokered peace plan that was to end violence in the 13-month anti-government uprising. According to the U.N. plan, Syrian forces were to pull back from cities by April 10, and a ceasefire would go in effect on April 12. Countries: Syria
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Economics and Conflict, Negotiation and Diplomacy, Rule of Law
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March 2012
A panel discussion hosted by USIP and the Reserve Officers Association Capitol Hill with USIP experts and the foreign affairs correspondent for The Wall Street Journal. |
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March 2012
The uprising started last year, along with other “Arab Spring” revolutions taking place in Middle East and North African nations. But by far, the Syrian government’s response has become the most deadly and most brutal. The United Nations estimates that more than 8,000 people have been killed since the revolution started last March. Countries: Iran, Syria
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Mediation and Facilitation, Negotiation and Diplomacy, Post-Conflict and Peacekeeping Activities
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March 2012
Syrian expatriates appearing at the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) on March 9 assessed the challenges facing women and ethnic or religious minorities in the country’s increasingly deadly revolution, asserting that opposition sentiment broadly envisions a post-Assad Syria that will be inclusive and respect their rights in a diverse country. Countries: Syria
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Mediation and Facilitation, Post-Conflict and Peacekeeping Activities
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February 2012
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News Feature
by Steven Heydemann
As Western and Arab powers established a Friends of Syria Group, USIP’s Steven Heydemann examines the group’s agenda – and the top priorities for the U.S. Countries: Syria
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Mediation and Facilitation, Post-Conflict and Peacekeeping Activities
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February 2012
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News Feature
by Thomas Omestad
U.S. officials will need to show both humility and patience for years to come as they try to assist the nations of the Middle East and North Africa that have cast off decades-old authoritarian governments and are only beginning a rough and uncertain transition in their political systems and economies, a Capitol Hill audience was told at a February 16 briefing organized by the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP). Countries: Egypt, Libya, Tunisia
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Political Reform, Post-Conflict and Peacekeeping Activities
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February 2012
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News Feature
by Steven Heydemann
After several days of intensive negotiation, Russia and China vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution on Saturday, February 4 that would have required Syria to implement the terms of an Arab League transition framework. USIP's Steve Heydemann assesses the current situation. Countries: Syria
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Human Rights, Mediation and Facilitation, Negotiation and Diplomacy, Political Reform
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January 2012
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News Feature
by Steven Heydemann
USIP's Steven Heydemann looks at Syria and the impact the Arab League can have on the Assad regime. Countries: Syria, Turkey
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Human Rights, Political Reform, Rule of Law
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January 2012
USIP's Steven Heydemann moderates a discussion about the Arab Awakening with the Institute's Stephen Hadley and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace's Marwan Muasher. |
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January 2012
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On the Issues
by Steven Heydemann
In a period of tremendous change in parts of the world, we are asking USIP leaders, from board members to senior staff and experts, to explain the effects that events abroad and here at home will have on the United States, and the contributions the Institute can and does make. Steven Heydemann is USIP’s senior adviser for Middle East Initiatives. |
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December 2011
Experts from the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) are closely following developments throughout the Middle East and North Africa. In a series of reports and interviews, they cover a wide range of issues. Countries: Africa, Asia, Bahrain, Egypt, Libya, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Economics and Conflict, Human Rights, Political Reform, Rule of Law, Security Sector Reform/Governance
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November 2011
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On the Issues
by Steven Heydemann
Violence in Syria is escalating, but the country is not yet at the brink of civil war. |
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November 2011
The Institute invited leading experts from the U.S. and across the Middle East to identify key vectors of influence Syria’s neighbors are bringing to bear on the conflict; to forecast how the on-going conflict in Syria will affect the delicate and volatile regional balance of power; and to examine how the Syrian opposition and the Syria regime are factoring in regional and cross-border dynamics. Countries: Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel and the Palestinian Territories, Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Mediation and Facilitation, Negotiation and Diplomacy, Political Reform, Post-Conflict and Peacekeeping Activities
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October 2011
Four members of the newly formed Syrian National Council (SNC) appeared at USIP in Washington for “Voices from the Front Lines: an Update on the Syrian Opposition.” The members are determined to create a representative, effective group that is a viable alternative to the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria. |
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October 2011
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On the Issues
by Steven Heydemann
There is little doubt the creation of a unified front among the various dissident groups in Syria is a positive development for their cause. But it remains unclear if it reflects a true "coalescing" of all the different rebel voices, or if the group can grow into an effective political force capable of being seen as a viable alternative to the Assad regime. |
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September 2011
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News Feature
by Gordon Lubold
Yemen is seeing some of its worst violence this year with at least three subsequent days of fighting this week between divided government forces, tribal groups and unarmed pro-democracy protesters, inching the country ever closer to full-blown civil war. Countries: Asia, Yemen
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Political Reform, Post-Conflict and Peacekeeping Activities, Rule of Law
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September 2011
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News Feature
by Steven Heydemann
Last week, Yemen’s President Ali Abdallah Saleh -- who remains in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia recovering from injuries incurred in a bomb attack on the presidential compound in June -- announced that he had delegated authority to his vice president, Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, to sign an agreement negotiated through the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) last spring that would remove Saleh from power. |
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September 2011
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On the Issues
by Steven Heydemann
The uprisings in Syria that started in March have sparked international condemnation and concern over human rights abuses by the Assad regime. USIP’s Steven Heydemann discusses the state of Syria’s opposition and why the U.S. may be hesitant to recognize an emerging opposition. |
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September 2011
To honor this worldwide event, USIP presents some highlights of peacebuilding around the world in 2011. |
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August 2011
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On the Issues
by Steven Heydemann
USIP Mideast expert Steven Heydemann examines the reasons behind the regime's escalation of violence, the international community's response, and additional steps that the U.S. might take to pressure the Assad government. Countries: Asia, Syria
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Human Rights, Negotiation and Diplomacy, Political Reform
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June 2011
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News Feature
by Steven Heydemann
USIP’s Steve Heydemann writes about what led to Yemeni President Saleh’s departure – and the potential end to his rule. |
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May 2011
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News Feature
by Steven Heydemann
USIP expert Steven Heydemann discusses Yemen’s uprising, which began in January with small, peaceful demonstrations, and has now brought the country to the brink of civil war. Countries: Algeria, Asia, Yemen
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Mediation and Facilitation, Negotiation and Diplomacy, Political Reform
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May 2011
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News Feature
by Steven Heydemann
USIP’s Steve Heydemann in Beirut, Lebanon discusses the latest developments in Syria, the regional response to the U.S.’s recently announced sanctions on the Syrian government, and what the region will want to hear in President Barack Obama’s speech. Countries: Lebanon, Syria
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Economics and Conflict, Political Reform
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May 2011
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On the Issues
by Steven Heydemann
USIP’s Steven Heydemann discusses the recent violence in Syria. For how this impacts Lebanon, read USIP’s Mona Yacoubian’s analysis. |
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May 2011
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News Feature
by Gordon Lubold
USIP’s Special Adviser, Muslim World Initiative Steve Heydemann; Senior Program Officer Col. Paul Hughes; Military Fellow Col. John Maraia; and South Asia Adviser Moeed Yusuf react to Osama bin Laden's death. |
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April 2011
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News Feature
by Gordon Lubold
The sentiments of so many people seeking freedom across the “Arab Spring” this year has not been lost on Bahrain, where thousands are demanding the Sunni monarchy there listen to their concerns. Countries: Asia, Bahrain
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Political Reform, Security Sector Reform/Governance
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April 2011
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On the Issues
by Steven Heydemann
USIP’s Steven Heydemann discusses the recent developments in Syria. The following is a slightly modified version of his interview with the online magazine, Jaddaliya. |
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March 2011
USIP experts respond to President Obama's speech on U.S. military intervention in Libya. |
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March 2011
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On the Issues
by Steven Heydemann
USIP’s Steven Heydemann, a leading expert on Middle East politics, answers questions about the unfolding situation in Yemen. |
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March 2011
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On the Issues
by Steven Heydemann
USIP’s Steven Heydemann, vice president of the Grants and Fellowships program and special adviser to the Muslim World Initiative, describes the progress and challenges facing Egypt and Tunisia and how the U.S. can assist in stablizing the region. Countries: Africa, Egypt, Tunisia, United States
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Mediation and Facilitation, Political Reform, Post-Conflict and Peacekeeping Activities
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February 2011
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On the Issues
by Steven Heydemann
Expert Steven Heydemann discusses how the current events in Libya could impact the region and the history of the U.S.'s relationship with Libya in the wake of recent violence and protests. Countries: Africa, Libya
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Human Rights, Negotiation and Diplomacy, Political Reform
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February 2011
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On the Issues
by Steven Heydemann
The departure of Hosni Mubarak on Friday opens up new possibilities for a transition to real democracy in Egypt. Whether these possibilities will be realized remains uncertain. Steven Heydemann explores the evolving situation. Countries: Egypt
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Post-Conflict and Peacekeeping Activities, Rule of Law
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February 2011
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News Feature
by Tara Sonenshine
The U.S. Institute of Peace continues to follow the developments in Egypt and the Middle East. Read about USIP's work on Christian-Muslim relations in the Middle East, work on national security issues, democratization, and more. Countries: Africa, Egypt, Israel and the Palestinian Territories, Jordan, Lebanon
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Economics and Conflict, Political Reform, Religion and Peacemaking
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February 2011
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has resigned on Feb. 11 after weeks of peaceful protests. USIP takes a comprehensive look at the situation and its implications. Countries: Egypt
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Political Reform, Religion and Peacemaking
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November 2010
Facilitated by the U.S. Institute of Peace and the Stimson Center, "Engagement, Coercion, and Iran's Nuclear Challenge" is the culmination of recommendations from a distinguished group of more than 40 scholars and policy analysts, who met regularly over the past year to evaluate how the U.S. should proceed in its strategy with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Countries: Iran, United States
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, WMD, Nonproliferation, and Arms Control
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January 2010
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Working Paper
by Daniel Brumberg
This Working Paper is the culmination of the work of the Study Group on Reform and Security. Countries: Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel and the Palestinian Territories, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Yemen
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Economics and Conflict, Mediation and Facilitation, Negotiation and Diplomacy, Security Sector Reform/Governance
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August 2009
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Book
by Daniel Brumberg and Dina Shehata, editors
Conflict, Identity, and Reform in the Muslim World highlights the challenges that escalating identity conflicts within Muslim-majority states pose for both the Muslim world and for the West, an issue that has received scant attention in policy and academic circles. Issue Areas: Political Reform
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June 2009
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On the Issues
by Dan Brumberg, Steve Heydemann, Sheldon Himelfarb, Asieh Mir
Countries: Iran
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Events
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October 4, 2012
Over the past year, a group of opposition activists collaborated to develop recommendations and strategies for managing the challenges of a post-Assad transition. Join USIP for the first presentation in the United States of the document they produced: “The Day After: Supporting a Democratic Transition in Syria.” Webcast: This event will be webcast live beginning at 9:30am EDT on October 4, 2012 at www.usip.org/webcast. Online viewers will be able to engage panelists and each other through live chat and Twitter discussions (Hashtag: #USIP). |
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March 9, 2012
As the Syrian uprising enters its second year, uncertainty about the challenges confronting women and minorities looms especially large. Women have played a critical role throughout the uprising, with activists like Suhair al-Attasi, Razan Zaitouneh, and others emerging as leaders of protest and resistance to the Assad regime. Yet their contributions have often been overshadowed. Questions persist about whether women’s concerns and perspectives will be fully addressed, either in the current uprising or in a potential post-Assad Syria. How can Syrian women ensure that their voices are heard as the revolution unfolds and a new Syria takes shape? |
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February 16, 2012
The uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa have been accompanied by horrific levels of violence, particularly in Libya, Yemen and Syria. Post-authoritarian transitions will require a focus not only on building the institutions needed to sustain democracies, but also a focus on the myriad issues associated with post-conflict reconstruction. Please join Ambassador William B. Taylor, special coordinator for Middle East Transitions at the U.S. Department of State and Ellen Laipson, President and CEO of the Stimson Center for the second in a series of breakfast briefings organized by the United States Institute of Peace in partnership with the Defense Education Forum of the Reserve Officers Association. |
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January 18, 2012
In May, President Obama defined the Arab Spring as a “historic opportunity” to redefine and strengthen America’s relationships in the Middle East, demonstrating that “America values the dignity of the street vendor . . . more than the raw power of the dictator.” One year after the “Jasmine Revolution” in Tunisia, has the promise of the Arab Awakening been realized? Please join former national security adviser Stephen Hadley and former Jordanian foreign minister Marwan Muasher on Wednesday, January 18, as they lead an analysis and discussion of what the Arab Awakening means for 2012. Countries: Bahrain, Egypt, Israel and the Palestinian Territories, Jordan, Libya, Syria, Tunisia, United States, Yemen
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Economics and Conflict, Human Rights, Media, Conflict, and Peacebuilding, Negotiation and Diplomacy, Political Reform, Post-Conflict and Peacekeeping Activities, Religion and Peacemaking, Training
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October 13, 2011
Since March, Syrians have taken to the streets calling for an end to the regime of Bashar al-Assad and a transition to democracy. However, the Syrian opposition has struggled to establish a unified leadership. The United States Institute of Peace hosted the first public discussion in the U.S. with founding members of the Syrian National Council, including opposition figures who are among the leadership of the SNC Council. |
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April 26, 2011
The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) invite you to join us for a live video conference with senior representatives of the Bahraini opposition. |
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November 16, 2010
The U.S. faces important decisions as it prepares for talks with the Islamic Republic of Iran on its nuclear activities. A distinguished group of 50+ scholars and policy analysts concluded that the U.S. should rebalance its approach to Iran, leveraging the gains achieved from sanctions by indicating a willingness to engage Iran diplomatically on a wide range of issues. The study group’s report is a broad prescription for rebalancing U.S. policy in a way that could increase the chances for success in the talks. |
September 8, 2010
Daniel Benjamin, the State Department's coordinator for counterterrorism discussed the circumstances in Yemen and provided insight on the current U.S. counterterrorism strategy.
Countries: Yemen
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Security Sector Reform/Governance
| Programs: Grant Program
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January 22, 2010
This USIP event examined the complex nexus between democratic change and U.S. security interests, with a principal focus on Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and Yemen. Countries: Afghanistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel and the Palestinian Territories, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Yemen
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Negotiation and Diplomacy
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January 30, 2008
Countries: Iran
| Issue Areas: Science, Technology, and Peacebuilding, WMD, Nonproliferation, and Arms Control
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November 9, 2006
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