The New Arabs: How the Millennial Generation is Changing the Middle East
TRAVERSE CITY - University of Michigan professor and Middle East expert Juan Cole illuminates the role of today’s Arab youth — who they are, what they want, and how they will affect world politics--at the next International Affairs Forum lecture, set for 6 p.m. April 16 in Milliken Auditorium.
The lecture draws upon Cole's 2014 book, The New Arabs: How the Millennial Generation is Changing the Middle East. Cole outlines the history that led to the dramatic changes in the region, and explores how a new generation of men and women are using innovative notions of personal rights to challenge the authoritarianism, corruption, and stagnation afflicting their societies. Can the Millennials shift from being a catalyst for rebellion to a governing force? Was the rise of the Internet as central to these social movements as reported in the western press? Are western governments prepared to engage with the Millennial generation to promote democratic change?
Cole earned his master's in Arabic Studies/History at American University in Cairo. His PhD in Islamic Studies is from UCLA. He lived in various parts of the Muslim world for more than a decade, and continues to travel widely there. At the University of Michigan, Cole teaches courses on the modern history of the Middle East and on South Asia.
IAF lectures are rebroadcast on UpNorth TV public access cable television three times a week, and available online for streaming on demand. Board members also produce “Beyond the Headlines,” a roundtable-style interview program that focuses on current foreign affairs issues and airs on UpNorth TV.
The IAF is affiliated with NMC and the World Affairs Council of America. All lectures are held in the Dennos Museum Center's Milliken Auditorium on the NMC campus at 6 p.m., with a reception prior to the lecture from 5:15 to 6 p.m. Admission is free to all students and educators, and $10 for others. Subscriber tickets for the entire season are available; visit www.tciaf.com or call (231) 995-1700 for more information.
RELEASE DATE: April 9, 2015
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Karen Segal
International Affairs Forum co-chair
(231) 715-6064
jsegal_kpuschel