ABSTRACT / Five years ago the Arab world experienced a series of historic uprisings that led to initial high expectation and elections, followed by conflicts, coups and the rise of extremists. James Ketterer was in Egypt during this time and offers a view of the unfolding situation – the misreadings and missed opportunities leading to the current set of challenges across the Middle East.
BIO / James Ketterer is Dean of International Studies at Bard College and Director of the Bard Globalization and International Studies program in New York City. Prior to coming to Bard, he served as Egypt Country Director for AMIDEAST, a large educational NGO represented across the Middle East and North Africa. He was at the State University of New York for several years, serving as Vice Chancellor for Policy and Planning, Deputy Provost and Director of the Center for International Development. He has also worked in government, including at the National Security Council, the New York Senate and the New York Commission on Higher Education.