The arab spring and the changing security landscape in the middle east

Presentation by
André Filipe

The Arab Spring and the Changing Security Landscape in the Middle East

Istanbul, 26-27 November 2012
EDAM (Center for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies) Conference, W Hotel
9:15 – 11:00 AM

I would like to thank EDAM for inviting me back to Istanbul, the bridge between east and west, to speak in my professional and academic capacity on the Arab Spring and the changing security landscape including the establishment of a Middle East Zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction The Arab Spring launched a new era of sweeping political changes in the countries of the Middle East and North Africa. The people's rising demands for a stronger voice in their own governance have brought new opportunities for reform and democratic transition giving rise to new fundamental changes in political rights and civil liberties. Indeed, the “Arab Spring” has without a doubt changed existing fundamental dynamics and has had significant implications on the political and security settings in the Middle East. After the January 2011 Revolution, Egypt has witnessed new parliamentary and presidential elections. This indicates that public opinion is already playing a more significant and prominent role in Arab societies and will have a fundamental role in the formulation of disarmament and security issues. Arab governments are becoming more accountable to their people and foreign policy is becoming more in line with domestic aspirations and a reflection of popular sentiments. The parliament with its foreign affairs, Arab affairs and National Security committees will be at the forefront of foreign policy issues in the Arab world, in which nuclear issues will receive without a doubt considerable attention. Public opinion follows closely now new developments in the Middle East and the unfolding of political developments that are changing almost on a daily basis and discern their impact on the Region. Disarmament