Dr. Nader Habibi, Professor of Economics of the Middle East at Brandeis University, highlights his research on overeducation, particularly in Iran.  

Sarah El Nashar, an Egyptian education consultant, discusses the potential for alternative higher education models in the MENA region, highlighting the success of one innovative institution in Cairo.  

Dr. Driss Ouaouicha, President of Al Akhawayn University in Morocco, discusses the barriers to educational and economic reform in the MENA region, especially in the Moroccan context.  

On January 21, 2015, the Hollings Center for International Dialogue held a panel entitled, “Breaking the Cycle: Creating Solutions for Water Security in the Middle East.” Event Description: Often overshadowed by political turmoil, the Middle East faces increasing environmental and resource-based challenges, notably its depleting water resources. Overuse enabled by government subsidies, growing demographic challenges […]

Cedomir Nestorovic discusses CSR in the Muslim-majority countries of Southeast Asia, exploring the effects of Chinese policy on this region and comparing the varying CSR practices of Asia, the Middle East and the West.  

Karima Essabbak, of the World Forum Lille, discusses whether or not corporate social responsibility is a value or a product and what success companies are finding from their CSR strategies.  

Shadab Fareeduddin, a CSR expert from Pakistan, discusses CSR in an Islamic context, answering the question of whether or not CSR and Islam can coexist.  

Can Islam be a motivation for corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Do Islamic corporations have a stronger morally obligation to act responsibly? Is CSR a product that the private sector uses as a PR tool or is it a value that firms must embrace to be sustainable? To answer these and other questions, the Hollings Center […]

Alexander Cooley, professor at Barnard College, gives his overview of the New Silk Road Strategy and his view on the major challenges to its implementation. [thaudio href=’https:/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Alexander-Cooley.mp3′][/thaudio]

Volker Jacoby discusses his views on the main problem with the New Silk Road strategy, namely the problems of “donor-driven” strategies as opposed to region-driven initiatives. [thaudio href=’https:/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Volker-Jacoby.mp3′][/thaudio]