The Cost of Afro-Arab Social Exclusion in MENA

Wednesday, Apr 5. // 12–1:00 pm (ET)

The event will explore the challenges to social inclusion of Afro-Arabs across the Middle East and North Africa, in addition to the widespread costs of discrimination. In every country, certain groups confront barriers that prevent them from fully participating in political, economic, and social life. In MENA, Afro-Arabs have been excluded from legal systems, land, and labor markets, and regularly face discriminatory attitudes and perceptions from the wider public.

This kind of social exclusion robs individuals of dignity, security, and the opportunity to lead a better life. Unless the root causes of structural exclusion and discrimination are addressed, countries across the region will not be able to achieve sustainable inclusive growth or rapid poverty reduction.

Still To Come This Week

Corruption, Accountability and Democracy in Brazil: Challenges and Solutions

Monday, Apr. 3 // 1–2:00 pm (ET)

Since President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took office on January 1, he has promised to increase government transparency and address corruption and other threats to democracy. The Office of Comptroller General of Brazil, led by Minister Vinícius Marques de Carvalho, is on the front lines of those battles. Among its responsibilities are controlling public corruption and coordinating the release of documents related to the January 8 assault on Brazil’s presidential palace, Congress and Supreme Court.

To discuss his priorities, Dr. Marques de Carvalho will visit the Wilson Center's Brazil Institute. Join us for an in-person conversation on Brazil’s efforts to curb corruption and strengthen its democracy.

Cold War Liberation: The Soviet Union and the Collapse of the Portuguese Empire in Africa, 1961-1975

Monday, Apr. 3 // 4–5:30 pm (ET)

Cold War Liberation traces the story of Soviet support for African revolutionaries who led armed struggles in three Portuguese colonies—Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau. While conventional wisdom says that Moscow had lost interest in Africa by mid-1960s, Telepneva argues that the Soviets redirected their attention to forging close links with the military and security services of their African clients. Telepneva also details how Soviet middle-ranking bureaucrats often shaped policy in Africa, including during the early stages of the Angolan Civil War, 1974-1975.