“The Road to Democracy: The Arab Region, Latin America and Eastern Europe”

The GDN-AUB Panel Discussion on « The Road to Democracy : the Arab Region, Latin America and Eastern Europe » took place today afternoon at the Campus of the American University in Beirut (AUB), Lebanon.  Gathering speakers from the three regions, the panel assessed the prospects for democratic transition in the Arab region in light of the lessons to be learnt from the recent uprisings, with a special focus on Egypt and Tunisia and against the experience of democratic transformation in Latin America and Eastern Europe.

Prof. Samir Makdisi – AUB

In his opening remarks, Samir Makdisi, Professor Emeritus of Economics at AUB, expressed his belief that democratic values are universal values that cut across regions regardless of the uniqueness of each of the three regions’ historical experience. While the issues and concerns of democratic transitions of each of the three regions may differ substantially, the aspirations of their peoples for freedom, democracy, equity and public sector accountability remain common. It is in this sense that the struggle for democracy binds them together.

Following the welcome remarks by Dr. Ahmad Dallal, AUB’s Provost and Dr. Gerardo della Paolera, GDN President, the floor was given to the panelists who orchestrated an interesting exchange of the three regions’ experiences.

Prof. Moez Labidi (University of Monastir) & Prof. Boris Vujcie (Croatia National Bank & GDN Board of Directors)

In his presentation, Prof. Boris Vujcic, Deputy Governor, Croatia National Bank and GDN Board of Directors, shared the Eastern European experience with a focus on Croatia. He stressed on transitional justice and good governance being vital for the people’s trust in the new structure, as well as for the universal confidence in the country. In light of the current developments in Egypt, he stated that a new constitution is essential for the democratic transition of each country. As for the economic dimension, “one size does not fit all” he stated, “every country has to find its own path over the market economy”.

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A GDN-AUB Panel Discussion focusing on the « Road to Democracy » : Do not miss it !

« The Road to Democracy : the Arab Region, Latin America and Eastern Europe » is the topic to be addressed at the GDN panel discussion which will be held in partnership with the American University of Beirut (AUB) in Beirut, Lebanon on May 18th, 2012.

After decades of authoritarian rule, the popular uprisings of Tunisia and Egypt (January 2011) appear to have opened the door for a potential democratic transformation not only in these two countries but also in the Arab region as a whole.  This, of course, remains to be seen.

In their aftermath, the following political picture in the region has so far emerged:

1. Popular and/or armed uprisings have occurred in Libya, Bahrain, Yemen and Syria. In the case of Libya, Western military intervention played a decisive role in toppling the Gadhafi regime, while in the case of Bahrain; Saudi military intervention has played a crucial role in preserving the regime. In Yemen, after a prolonged period of mass protests and military conflicts, a new president was elected, but national reconciliation is yet to be achieved. And in Syria the outcome of peaceful popular demonstrations against the regime that turned into armed upheavals remains uncertain.
2. In the other Arab countries, threatening mass movements do not seem to be in the making, and, for the time being at least, the surviving autocratic regimes are not in imminent danger of being overthrown.

With the above in mind, the panel will assess the prospects for democratic transition in the Arab region in light of the lessons to be learnt from the recent uprisings with a focus on Tunisia and Egypt, and against the experience of democratic transition in Latin America and Eastern Europe.

To follow and participate in discussion remotely through social media:

• Keep an eye on our GDNet Blog to catch up on the panel discussion and watch interviews from speakers and participants
• Follow @Connect2GDNet for live updates and comments on discussion.
• Participate and share your ideas by commenting on blogs, tweets, photos and videos from the panel discussion

This event is organized by GDNet as part of its Research to Policy Networking Program and South to South Learning