Politics and Soft Power of U.S., British, and French Universities in the Middle East

About

This project explores the following questions for U.S., British, and French universities and research institutions in the Middle East from the 1800s and onwards

1) Why do countries or organizations establish or sponsor universities and research institutions in foreign societies? Were/Are, for instance, these universities and institutions seen as strategic instruments of soft power, as neutral projections of perceived universal academic norms, as opportunities for business and employment, or other reasons?

2) Are foreign sponsored universities and research institutions accepted and frequented? What are the host society politics, especially concerning subjecting oneself to soft power?

3) Do these universities and research institutions and the host societies mutually influence each other? Do faculty and alumni influence politics, government, business, media, culture, etc? Do these institutions take after the host society rather than their alma mater (society)?

These questions connect important theoretical questions in political science and international relations concerning soft power as well as draw on and contribute to social psychology, education, development, history, sociolinguistics, and post-colonial studies as well as crucial understanding of Middle Eastern societies, historically and presently.

Please join us! Beverages and Dessert provided.

Everyone is welcome, but admittance will be on a first come – first served basis.