The fourth installment of the Global Pulse Discussion Series takes a closer look at the so-called Islamic State's (or ISIL) expansion of terror into North Africa and even further afield, following the November 13 attacks in Paris.

The brutal terrorism of the Islamic State, also known as ISIL, has spread from Syria and Iraq. These black-clad fighters have profited from the chaos of a disintegrating state to claim a strategically important North African outpost in the Libyan city of Sirte, a mere boat ride away from Europe. The impact and influence of ISIL is being felt across the entire region - even in Tunisia, the birthplace of the Arab Spring. Now the Islamic State appears to be using the region as a jumping off point for attacks on Western nations, as well. 

What can North African governments do to combat ISIL? Is it time for the international community to step up?

Featuring:

Dr. James L. Gelvin, Professor, Department of History, UCLA

Dr. James Gelvin has been a faculty member in the department of history at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) since 1995 where he has written extensively on the history of the modern Middle East, with particular emphasis on nationalism and the social and cultural history of the region. Read more.

Dr. Robert B. Lloyd, Blanche E. Seaver Professor of International Studies and Languages, Pepperdine University

Dr. Robert Lloyd is the Blanche E. Seaver Professor of International Studies and Languages, a professor of international relations at Pepperdine University, and head of Pepperdine's International Studies Program. Read more.

Moderator:

Mr. Dan Schnur, Director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics, University of Southern California

Dan Schnur is the Director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics at the University of Southern California, where he works to motivate students to become involved in politics, government, and public service and teaches popular classes in politics, communications and leadership. Read more.