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Contrary to popular belief, the surge in extremist violence in the Middle East is not a direct response to democratic uprisings. Instead, argues author Jean-Pierre Filiu, terrorist groups like ISIS grew from the strategies and brutal tactics employed by Middle Eastern autocrats determined to hold onto power at any cost. At this event, Filiu discussed his book, "From Deep State to Islamic State: The Arab Counter-Revolution and Its Jihadist Legacy,” which describes how authoritarian regimes are methodically crushing Arab dissent, and hopes for democracy.
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Welcome and Introduction
Marwa Shalaby, Ph.D.
Fellow for the Middle East and Director, Women's Rights in the Middle East Program, Baker Institute
Featured Speaker
Jean-Pierre Filiu, Ph.D., is a professor of Middle East studies at Sciences Po, Paris School of International Affairs. He has held visiting professorships both at the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs and at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. A native of France, Filiu was a career diplomat from 1988 to 2006, assigned to Amman before becoming deputy chief of mission in Damascus and Tunis. Filiu also served in humanitarian missions in Afghanistan and Lebanon. Filiu was previously an advisor to the French prime minister (2000-2002), to the minister of defense (1991-1993), and to the minister of interior (1990-1991). He has authored numerous books, including “Apocalypse in Islam” (University of California Press, 2011), which was awarded the main prize by the French History Convention, and “From Deep State to Islamic State: The Arab Counter-Revolution and its Jihadi Legacy” (Oxford University Press, 2015). He holds a doctoral degree in contemporary history from Sciences Po in Paris.
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