Civil society is not only important; it is an essential part of the proper functioning of the state. Acting as a link, civil society helps to initiate, promote and strengthen comprehensive and objective dialogue between governments and their people. In such a way, civil society fosters conflict resolution, advances human rights and promotes better democratization processes in countries. Moreover, because of its flexible, multidimensional and non-rigid structure, civil society has the capability to constantly adapt to rapid global changes. The purpose of the conference is to gain a better understanding of the role of civil society in the functioning of the state, and advancement of democracy and universal human rights.
Conference Program
Registration & Breakfast ~ 8:30 to 9:00 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks ~ 9:00 a.m.
Katherine Marshall, Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, & World Affairs
Emre Celik, Rumi Forum
PANEL I ~ 9:15 to 10:30 a.m.:
“Civil Society, Democratization and Conflict Resolution”
Moderator: Jonathan Landay, McClatchy News
Marina Ottaway, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
“Civil Society and Democratization: Which Civil Society?”
Joshua Foust, American Security Project
"Foreign Bias in Local Governance in Central Asia"
Angel Rabasa, RAND Corporation
(To be updated)
PANEL II ~ 10:35 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.:
“Civil Society and Peacebuilding and Education”
Moderator: Katherine Marshall, Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, & World Affairs
Mohamed Nimer, American University
"Gulen's Soft Power Approach: Lessons for Arab Political Reform"
Bilal Wahab, George Mason University
“Civil Society in Iraq: Homegrown or Market Response?”
Stanley Kober, Cato Institute
(To be updated)
Break - Light Lunch Refreshments Provided ~ 12:00 to 12:15 p.m.
PANEL III ~ 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.:
“Case Studies: The Importance of Civil Society”
Moderator:(To be updated)
Catherine Cosman, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
"Religious communities in Post-Soviet States"
Mehmet Kalyoncu, Independent Analyst
“Building Civil Society in Ethno-Religiously Fractured Communities”
Alisher Khamindov, SAIS, Johns Hopkins University
"International Donors, Civil Society and Peacebuilding: Lessons from Central Asia"
Closing Remarks ~ 1:30 p.m.
Ambassador David Newton, Middle East Institute
Click here to see full Bios and Synopsis
