LOCATION: Westin Lobby
In 2012, protests rocked the Arab world. Starting in Tunisia, strongmen leaders who seemed invincible saw their power erode or vanish altogether. But the Arab Spring gave way to the Arab Winter. Political reforms stalled or reversed and instability ensued. How can the Middle East reach the long Arab Summer of peace, democracy and stability? Panelists discussed instability in the Middle East that is due in part to the arbitrary borders carved up by the major powers a century ago. This intervention by major powers continues today. It was noted that political parties that engage in terrorist activities undermine the democratic process and create instability. Western powers need to be more consistent in both their actions and in the values they hope to instill in the Middle East. There was consensus that a democratic election does not simply make a state free and democratic. Whether it’s Egypt, Libya, Iraq, or Syria – it’s about values, education, investment and planning for the day after.
The world’s weather is changing. Destructive storms, including Katrina and Harvey have resulted in the loss of infrastructure, economic productivity and human lives. However, there is considerable debate, in the U.S. especially, as to whether climate change is to blame – or whether climate change exists at all. With the American withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord will the world be able to effectively address this issue? According to the panelists, yes. While some states are ambivalent, others have recognized this global challenge and are stepping up. Panelists acknowledged that as a result of technological advances, renewable energy is increasingly accessible and affordable. But they also noted that the fight to address climate change points to a bigger issue: the fight for fact-based, science-based decision making and multilateralism. If a town in oil-rich Texas led by a conservative Republican mayor can switch to 100% renewable energy, the climate change fight isn’t over yet.
