The popular demonstrations during the Arab Spring not only transformed the political and societal landscape across the Middle East but also challenged deep-rooted notions about the role played by national, ethnic and religious identity in the politics of the region. What are the historical roots and recent developments that have led to deepening ethnic and sectarian schisms? How does identity politics influence democratization and governance? What can local, regional and international actors do to limit the violence and extremism associated with specific forms of identity politics and encourage more inclusive political systems?
At the March 10 conference "Divided Societies, Volatile States: The Politics of Identity Post-Arab Spring," the Baker Institute Center for the Middle East brought together regional and international scholars with a wide range of expertise to explain current trends and offer policy prescriptions to promote more inclusive and stable political systems in the region. The conference focused on three areas where identity politics plays a key role: 1) sectarianism in the region; 2) gender, identity and conflict post-Arab Spring; and 3) Palestinians in Israel and the future of the Jewish state.
Click here to watch the videos of the conference proceedings and view slides from the speakers' presentations.
