2013 Camden Conference

The Middle East: What Next?

February 22-24, 2013

The 26th annual Camden Conference, The Middle East: What Next? took place on February 22-24, 2013. The successive uprisings of popular discontent known as the Arab Awakening, or the Arab Spring, have dominated the headlines since 2010. Longtime rulers have been toppled, and the battle rages on in Syria. The transition toward more democratic, progressive, stable governments has begun, but the process is proving to be messy and slow. The 2013 Camden Conference wrestled with the issues raised by these challenges, such as the ongoing role of social media in public debate and protest; the emerging status of women; the impact of the rise of elected Islamic factions in governing roles; the growing tension between Israel and Iran; and the prospects for Iran/US relations, especially regarding the Iran nuclear program.