Prof. Najam Speaks to Rhode Island World Affairs Council

Prof. Adil Najam, Director of the Frederick S. Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future, spoke to the World Affairs Council of Rhode Island on the great challenges facing Afghanistan and Pakistan in the context of the Global War on Terror. The talk was part of the Distinguished Lecture and Dinner Program of the World Affairs Council.

In his speech, which was followed by an animated questions and answer session, Prof. Najam focussed on the situation in Pakistan and argued that “Pakistan is a democratic state trapped inside of an undemocratic society.” He argued that there are democratic forces in Pakistan, especially in the Lawyers Movement, who have demonstrated their real commitment to good governance, democracy and institutions, and these forces provide the best hope for the future of the country.