Event: CNA-McDaniel College Conference on Africa – Feb. 22

North Africa and the Sahel: Implications of the Arab Awakening
A CNA and McDaniel College Hosted Conference
CNA Headquarters, Alexandria, VA
February 22, 2011

The countries of North Africa have experienced considerable political and social upheaval over the past year. In addition, violent extremist networks and criminal organizations continue to operate throughout the region. The objective of this conference is to explore the range and scale of challenges that confront the states of North Africa and the Sahel and to identify options for US policy in the future.

Note:  Conference proceedings will be on a non-attribution basis. 

Agenda

0815-0845 Check-in and Continental Breakfast

0845-0900 Welcome

  • Eric V. Thompson, Vice President and Director, CNA Strategic Studies;
  • Christianna Nichols Leahy, Professor, Chair of Political Science and International Studies, McDaniel College

0900-1045 Session I: Egypt, Tunisia, and Libya Try Democracy

  • I. William Zartman, Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University
  • Manal Omar, US Institute of Peace
  • Jonathan Brown, Georgetown University
  • Chair: Julia Mcquaid, CNA

1045-1100 Break (15 Minutes)

1100-1230 Session II: Will political reform in Algeria and Morocco keep the lid on social turmoil?

  • Ahmed Benchemsi, Stanford University's Program on Arab Reform and Democracy at the Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law
  • John P. Entelis, Fordham University
  • Alexis Arieff, Congressional Research Service
  • Chair: Naima Hachad, McDaniel College

1230-1315 Lunch Break

1315-1400 Keynote Address

  • Ray Maxwell, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, US Department of State

1400-1415 Break (15 minutes)

1415-1600 Session III: Weak governance, porous borders, and weapons, weapons, weapons: is the Sahel a bad guy’s playground?

  • Andrew Lebovich, The Navanti Group
  • Alex Thurston, Northwestern University, Sahel Blog
  • Daniel Serwer, Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University
  • Chair: Anouar Boukhars, McDaniel College

1600-1615 Closing Remarks

Light breakfast and lunch will be provided at a cost of $7.00 per person