Political scientist Jay Ulfelder examines the connection between authoritarian governments and mega-projects, and questions common assumptions about modernization theory and democratic development. From 2001 until 2011, he served as research director for the U.S. government-funded Political Instability Task Force. He serves as an advisor to the Center for the Prevention of Genocide at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)