Revolutions in the Middle East and North Africa: a victory for people power?
Monday 7 March 2011
The mass movements that have resulted in the toppling of authoritarian regimes in Tunisia and Egypt and challenged governments across the Middle East and North Africa have gripped the attention of the world.
A leading UK-based expert in the region will give an insight to the situation with a public lecture at the University of Surrey on April 6.
Dr Ayla Göl, from Aberystwyth University, will deliver a lecture entitled “People, Power and Protest: The Arab Revolt in the Middle East and North Africa”, which will be followed by a question and answer session.
The talk will cover the events in Egypt, Tunisia, Libya and the prospect of change in other countries such as Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Algeria. The viability and prospects of international intervention in countries where regimes are determined to cling to power no matter what the cost in human suffering will also be examined.
Dr Roberta Guerrina, Head of the Politics Department at the University of Surrey, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Dr Göl to Surrey, and very much look forward to learning more about perspectives from the region, since our understanding of local experience in the affected countries is very much dependent on Western media coverage. Dr. Göl’s lecture is delivered in the context of ongoing changes that could signal the transformation of the politics of the Middle East and North Africa. “
Prof. Marie Breen-Smyth, the Department of Politics new Chair in International Politics, added “What is happening in the Middle East may well require a recalibration of British foreign policy towards the region, so it is important that we deepen our understanding of these developments and their significance, not only in humanitarian terms, which is an immediate concern, but in the wider frame, their implications for regional and global politics. Dr Göl’s lecture will offer a useful aid in this context.”
Dr Ayla Göl, who is Director of the Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Contemporary Political Violence at Aberystwyth University, will also host a seminar for students on April 7.
The lecture on April 6 takes place in room LTL a lecture theatre at the Teaching Block on campus at 5pm . No tickets are needed to attend the event.
Media Enquiries
Howard Wheeler, Press Office at the University of Surrey, Tel: +44 (0)1483 686141, or Email mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk