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The fading hope of democracy in the Middle East

Palestinian protesters burn the Israeli flag and a poster of Trump.
Palestinian protesters burn the Israeli flag and a poster of President Trump following his decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, in Gaza City, on Dec. 7, 2017.
Mohammed Abed | AFP | Getty Images

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Steven Cook of the Council on Foreign Relations says hopes for democracy in the Middle East have all but faded away. After living and traveling in the region for many years, he's out with a new book, "False Dawn: Protest, Democracy, and Violence in the New Middle East." The book explores the rise and fall of the Middle East's democratic movements.

Cook is senior fellow for Middle East and Africa studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. He spoke December 7, 2017 at the University of Minnesota Humphrey School. The moderator was professor Larry Jacobs.

To listen to the speech, click the audio player above.