At a time when the rapid pace of events is causing profound uncertainty and turmoil across the region, this workshop aimed to offer a space for critical reflection and analysis of recent political events as well as the current state(s) of press freedom across the region. In addition to assembling a small group of distinguished scholars, analysts and researchers, the event will also feature contributions by President Lee C. Bollinger, as well as the Dean of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, Steve Coll, and former dean, Nicholas Lemann. The workshop was co-convened by the Columbia Global Centers | Turkey and the Columbia Global Centers | Middle East.