Application DEADLINE September 30 for:

Fall 2025 MEI Study Group: The Struggle for Democracy in the Arab World - with MEI Senior Fellow Dr. Youssef Chahed, former Prime Minister of Tunisia (2016-2020), and MEI Senior Fellow Hisham Kassem, former publisher of Egyptian newspaper Al-Masry Al-Youm.

APPS OPEN: Seats for this study group are limited. Applications are open to all Harvard University ID holders, including students, staff, faculty, and fellows. Participants must commit to attending all sessions of the study group. Applications will close on Tuesday, September 30 at 11:59pm ET. Decision notice will be sent out to all applicants no later than Tuesday, October 7. Apply here: https://forms.gle/gXDcKcziiHaav3Ty7

For any questions related to the study group, please reach out to MEI Research Assistant Julia Kempton: jkempton@fas.harvard.edu<mailto:jkempton@fas.harvard.edu>

The Struggle for Democracy in the Arab World

Dr. Youssef Chahed, former Prime Minister of Tunisia (2016-2020), and Mr. Hisham Kassem, former Egyptian publisher, will lead this five session study group exploring lessons learned from the development of democratic institutions in the Arab world. Particular attention will be paid to the experiences of Egypt, Iraq, and Tunisia.

The study group will offer a concrete and unique insider view of the MENA region's fight for democracy and economic development. Participants will hear from leaders from the MENA region on specific obstacles that they have encountered in their efforts to build democratic frameworks. The seminar will provide in-depth country case studies with an emphasis on the political and institutional factors that support or constrain the growth of democracy and representative governance in the region.

Format: Every session will include a lecture component, and an exchange of views on the topic under consideration, including with guest speakers with extensive experience working on issues of governance. Participants will be expected to attend all five sessions. They should come prepared to engage in deep discussion and contribute their own experiences in the Middle East. In all study group sessions, Chatham House rules will apply. Refreshments will be provided.

More info + full schedule here: https://www.belfercenter.org/event/mei-study-group-struggle-democracy-arab-world