ANN ARBOR—The University of Michigan International Institute will hold a round- table discussion at noon Monday, Feb. 7, to analyze the underlying tensions in the Middle East that have led to widespread unrest and political instability. Entitled “Struggle Against Authoritarian Rule in the Middle East,” the round table will feature leading U-M scholars in a candid, informal discussion about how protests in Egypt, Tunisia and other countries have led to a shakeup of the existing governments.

Participants include:

• Joshua Cole, associate professor of history
• Juan Cole, the Richard P. Mitchell Collegiate Professor of History
• Nadine Naber, assistant professor, Program in American Culture and Department of Women’s Studies
• Philip Potter, assistant professor of public policy and political science
• Mark Tessler, vice provost for international affairs, the Samuel J. Eldersveld Collegiate Professor of Political Science
• Susan Waltz, professor of public policy

The round table is co-sponsored by the Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies and the Weiser Center for Emerging Democracies. It will take place in the School of Social Work’s Educational Conference Center (room 1840) located at 1080 South University Ave., Ann Arbor. It is free and open to the public and will also be available via live streaming. For more information, visit www.ii.umich.edu/events/roundtable.

University of Michigan International InstituteThe University of Michigan International Institute houses 18 centers and programs focused on world regions and global themes. The institute develops and supports international teaching, research, and public affairs programs to promote global understanding across the campus and to build connections with intellectuals and institutions worldwide. For more information, visit www.ii.umich.edu.