North Africa and the Sahel: Implications of the Arab Awakening

In stark contrast to most of the past century, long-standing authoritarian regimes in North Africa are no longer guarantors of stability. What began in Tunisia as protests for dignity and economic justice has spread across the Arab World, sparking an upheaval of people power. This upheaval has not brought the same degree of change everywhere, but it has brought a dramatic change in the political landscape and a concurrent shift in the security environment. Each country in North Africa has been dealing differently with the issues confronting it. While some governments have collapsed under the weight of public protests and revolution, others have proven durable and even adaptable. Yet, nowhere is political stability assured.

It is within this context of political and social change that transnational threats continue to challenge the security and stability of the region, putting additional pressure on these governments. To explore these developments, and identify the implications for U.S. policy in this part of the world, CNA and McDaniel College co-hosted a day-long conference, which included presentations by U.S. government officials and recognized experts on this part of the world from universities, the media, and prominent research organizations. This report summarizes the main themes of the conference.