Lawrence Rubin, assistant professor in The Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, participated in a policy planning workshop held in Jerusalem, Israel, titled, “Israel, Gaza, and the region: Post-cease fire opportunities" on July 24. A unique multinational group of 40 diplomats, analysts, journalists, and scholars attended a workshop Sponsored by Mitvim- The Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies and the International Crisis Group.

Workshop participants explored new ways to advance peace and regional stability following Operation Protective Edge. They also addressed key issues including the difficulties of demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, the economic rebuilding of the Palestinian enclave, and the need to move from conflict management to conflict resolution. Other areas discussed were the regional and international mechanisms for future mediation and ceasefire implementation, the Palestinian unity government, and the revival of the Arab Peace Initiative. Participants also sought to understand the issues that led to the recent flare-up of conflict and the favorable circumstances that could arise if tackled in a truce agreement.

Lawrence Rubin’s research interests include comparative Middle East politics and international security with a specific focus on Islam and politics, Arab foreign policies, and nuclear proliferation. He recently published the book Islam in the Balance: Ideational Threats in Arab Politics.