The Rule of Law in the Middle East: Promises and Challenges

Overview

The Southwestern Institute for International and Comparative Law (SWIICL) of the Center for American and International Law (CAIL) proudly presents the inaugural Dean Robert G. Storey Rule of Law Lecture.

The Middle East, home to more than 350 million people with nearly 60% under the age of 21, has a rich, diverse legal tradition. Many States in the region have laws based on the Napoleonic Code, Roman law, or Sharia, or a combination of them. In addition, the common law has a presence in certain Middle East countries. Against the legal backdrop is an economic situation that is far from uniform. The Gulf States, due to their oil and gas reserves, have substantial wealth and bustling commercial activity. Other States suffer from high unemployment and are struggling to build a future that has some degree of financial prosperity for most of their people. The political and security dynamics are volatile with some States experiencing daily acts of violence or under the constant threat of them. These factors, and others, such as the role of foreign influence, raise issues at the heart of discussions about the viability of the rule of law throughout the region.

Please join us for a conversation with the Robert Jordan, former US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, as we explore these and other topics in an effort to better understand the rule of law in the Middle East from an American perspective.

Registration is complimentary as a service to our International community. Details for connecting to the recording will be sent shortly after you register. Please allow 1 business day to process your registration.

Presenter

Robert W. Jordan
Diplomat in Residence and Professor of Practice, John G. Tower Center for Political Studies, Southern Methodist University; former US Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Dallas, Texas

Moderator

Dr. Susan Karamanian
Hamad Bin Khalifa University College of Law
Doha, Qatar

The Dean Robert G. Storey Lecture Series

The Dean Robert G. Storey Lecture Series was created in honor of CAIL founder, Robert G. Storey, and in recognition of his commitment to the rule of law. Each Storey Lecture will focus on an issue of particular importance in a region of the world with an emphasis on its rule of law implications. Lawyers from around the world are invited to attend all lectures.

The past year has been unprecedented. The global disruption due to COVID-19, coupled with rising nationalism, has raised fundamental questions about the liberal international economic order and even the future of democracy as a desirable political end. For lawyers, the situation has raised fundamental questions about the future of the profession. Further, as rights have come under challenge, the traditional role of lawyers as protectors of rights and the leaders of key institutions essential to shaping legal systems is in question.

The Lectures will feature some of the world’s best lawyers who will address these and other related issues from a regional perspective.

Other Information

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