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Democracy in Question in the Maldives: President Mohamed Nasheed Speaks

Date: Monday, June 25, 2012 / Time: 9:00am - 10:30am 

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Former President Mohamed Nasheed of the Republic of Maldives spoke at USIP on June 25.

Read the event analysis, Former President Mohamed Nasheed Speaks: Democracy in Question

President Mohamed Nasheed
President Mohamed Nasheed

Former President Mohamed Nasheed of the Republic of Maldives spoke at the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) on June 25. President Nasheed was the first democratically elected president of the Maldives, but was deposed four months ago by what has been described as an armed contingent. Before his election in 2008, Nasheed led the nonviolent democratic opposition against Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who ruled the country for 30 years.

After his election, Nasheed quickly became known globally for his championing of action on climate change. His first year in office as the country’s first democratically elected president is chronicled in the documentary, “The Island President,” now in theaters and on iTunes. The unsettling developments in the Maldives come at a critical time of other major transitions in the Islamic world. Nasheed will discuss these recent events and his perspective on political transitions and nonviolent resistance in the Middle East and North Africa.

The June 25 event featured an engaging conversation with Nasheed on nonviolent action, democracy and climate change, and to watch an excerpt of “The Island President.” Co-hosted by the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict, Dr. Peter Ackerman led a discussion with the former president.

Speakers

  • President Mohamed Nasheed, (Discussion)
    Former President of the Maldives
  • Richard H. Solomon, (Introductory Remarks)
    President, USIP
  • Peter Ackerman, (Discussion)
    Founding chair, International Center on Nonviolent Conflict

Explore Further

USIP's Work on Climate Change

USIP's Work on Non-Violent Resolution

 

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