Pursuing Safety and Freedom

A USIP Study Group Report on Political Reform and Security in the Greater Middle East

Can the Obama administration simultaneously pursue democracy and security in the Middle East? Can the U.S. engage autocratic regimes and push for human rights at the same time? The U.S. can and it should, according to a new USIP Study Group Report on Political Reform and Security in the Greater Middle East.

This extensive paper examines the complex nexus between democratic change and U.S. security interests, with a principal focus on Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and Yemen. It sets out a set of general and country-specific findings and recommendations for a long-term strategy by which “political liberalization” can enhance the stability and legitimacy of governments, thus strengthening security and peacemaking in the region.

*Download the report "In Pursuit of Democracy and Security in the Greater Middle East."

Visit the Study Group on Reform and Security website for more information.

Listen to the event audio.

Speakers

Daniel Brumberg, Principal Author
Acting Director, Muslim World Initiative, U.S. Institute of Peace
Larry Diamond
Commentator/Director, Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law, Stanford University
Francis Fukuyama
Commentator/Director, International Development Program
School for Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Johns Hopkins University
April Longley Alley
Commentator/Research Associate, Center for Applied Strategic Learning, National Defense University