Egypt in Crisis: Perils and Prospects

The swiftly unfolding events in Egypt have raised a host of questions for observers: Who is leading the movement to oust the Mubarak regime? What are the implications for the Middle East? And what is the United States’ role – in past support for a key regional ally, and in seeking a way forward? 

Two USD faculty members will address the issues thrown into sharp relief by the Egyptian uprising:

• Necla Tschirgi, PhD, is professor of Practice in Human Security and Peacebuilding in the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies. A native of Turkey, she received her BA and MA in political science at the American University of Beirut and her PhD in political economy at the University of Toronto. From 1985 to 1991, she was adjunct professor of political science at the American University in Cairo. Concurrently, Dr. Tschirgi served as coordinator of the Middle East Research Competition (MERC) program at the Ford Foundation’s regional office in Cairo. Since 1991, Dr. Tschirgi has been a frequent visitor to Egypt and has followed political developments in that country from her various positions in Ottawa, New York and now San Diego.  
• Avi Spiegel, PhD, is assistant professor of Political Science and International Relations in the College of Arts and Sciences. He trained in religious studies at Harvard University and in Middle East politics at Oxford University, where he also earned his PhD from St Antony’s College. A magna cum laude graduate of Georgetown University, he also holds a JD from NYU School of Law. A former Fulbright Scholar and Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco, Dr. Spiegel has traveled and lectured extensively throughout the Middle East and North Africa. He is currently completing a book on the next generation of political Islam, based on his fieldwork among young political activists in the Arab world.