OU scholars to explore impacts of political protests in Arab world

In response to waves of popular protest that have erupted in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen and beyond, the Department of Political Science and the Center for International Programs at Oakland University will host a panel discussion featuring three accomplished scholars in political science and history, as well as a professor from Tunisia.

As uprisings have spread across the Arab world, Americans are left to consider what these revolutions will mean for the region and for American foreign policy. Panelists participating in "Popular Revolution in the Arab World: Cause for Celebration or Cause for Concern?" will explore the impacts of these potentially world-changing events.

Speakers will include:

• Paul Kubicek, professor in the Department of Political Science and an expert in comparative politics, international relations and European and Middle Eastern politics;
• Laura Landolt, assistant professor in the Department of Political Science and an expert in Middle Eastern politics, democratization, and domestic and transnational social movements;
• Don Matthews, assistant professor in the Department of History and an expert in the history of the Middle East, Arab nationalism and U.S. relations with the Middle East;
• Fatma Mili, professor and interim chair of the School of Engineering and Computer Science, and a native of Tunisia who has maintained contact with many involved in the political protests there.

The discussion will take place from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10, in the Fireside Lounge of Oakland Center, which is located in the heart of campus. Interactive and printable maps are available at oakland.edu/map. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, call (248) 370-4907 or e-mail to ptrumbor@oakland.edu.