Leading experts on Sudanese politics will gather at Emory University Feb. 15 to discuss the political and economic challenges that have emerged following South Sudan's declaration of statehood in July 2011. The dialogue, "Conflict in Sudan and South Sudan: Regional and International Perspectives on Sudan and South Sudan Since Independence," is co-hosted by Emory's Institute for Developing Nations and The Carter Center's Conflict Resolution Program. 

Diplomats, political advisors and scholars will provide insights on the complex relationships that have developed between Sudan and South Sudan, the ongoing military and oil-related disputes, and the ultimate regional and global implications of South Sudan's independence.

The dialogue will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Jones Room of Emory's Robert W. Woodruff Library, 540 Asbury Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322. The event is free and open to the public.

Speakers include:

• Timothy Carney, former U.S. ambassador to Sudan;

• Alan Goulty, former U.K. special representative to Sudan;

• David Kapya, former President Mpaka's special advisor and envoy to Sudan;

• Deborah Scroggins, journalist and author of "Emma's War: An Aid Worker, Radical Islam and the Politics of Oil in Sudan"; and

• Jeffrey Mapendere, field director of the Carter Center Peace Programs Sudan/South Sudan.

About the Institute for Developing Nations

Emory's Institute for Developing Nations (IDN) promotes engaged scholarship in partnership with Carter Center programs that promote human rights and alleviate human suffering. By connecting the academic mission of Emory University with The Carter Center's programs, IDN initiatives underscore the importance of knowledge to positive social transformation. IDN advances collaboration among academics, practitioners and policy makers through support for research learning, the open exchange of ideas and capacity building.