On January 14, 2011, Ben Ali, Tunisia President was forced to leave Tunisia by a popular uprising commonly known as the Jasmine Revolution. This historic event triggered mass protests that would sweep the Arab world, forcing other longstanding authoritarian leaders from power and potentially transforming the region. Since that time, Tunisia has witnessed the country’s first free and fair elections. The emergence of new political parties and coalitions, and the many difficulties of maintaining stability amid an uncertain political transition. On the second anniversary of this historic moment, it is important to assess Tunisia’s progress in its difficult transition to democracy and examine the prospects and challenges that lie ahead.

Introduction: Daniele Moro, Visiting Scholar, JHU SAIS

Moderator: Mohamed Malouche , President, Tunisian American Young Professionals ( TAYP)

Speakers:     Professor Eamonn Gearon, African Studies Program, SAIS JHU

                                        Samia Msadek, World Bank

                                         Leila Chenoufi, InterAmerican Development Bank

                       Stephen McInerney, Project on Middle East Democracy (POMED)