worldview and professional objectives...
How can Western foreign policy makers and humanitarian organizations affect positive changes in the Middle East and North Africa? Through a thorough understanding of the people, cultures, languages, histories, geography, and issues of the region.
Another approach will promote mutual understanding and trust between the West and MENA: a humble and reciprocal attitude--with respect to development--by Western policy makers. The people of the MENA region often defy the typical Western idea of development by demonstrating that having more of the world’s goods is not always better. Indeed, in their less intense materialistic attitudes, Middle Easterners are socially and emotionally healthier in many ways than the countries that are trying to “develop” them. By promoting positive Middle Eastern values in the West through educational and social programs, Western policy makers can both amplify the "Happiness Quotient" in the West and improve relations with the MENA region.
Why does "reverse development" benefit both Westerns and Middle Easterners alike? How can Middle Eastern values be incorporated into the West? These, and other related questions, have been the foundation of Hilary's research at George Mason University--and will continue to underpin her future academic and career choices.
Another approach will promote mutual understanding and trust between the West and MENA: a humble and reciprocal attitude--with respect to development--by Western policy makers. The people of the MENA region often defy the typical Western idea of development by demonstrating that having more of the world’s goods is not always better. Indeed, in their less intense materialistic attitudes, Middle Easterners are socially and emotionally healthier in many ways than the countries that are trying to “develop” them. By promoting positive Middle Eastern values in the West through educational and social programs, Western policy makers can both amplify the "Happiness Quotient" in the West and improve relations with the MENA region.
Why does "reverse development" benefit both Westerns and Middle Easterners alike? How can Middle Eastern values be incorporated into the West? These, and other related questions, have been the foundation of Hilary's research at George Mason University--and will continue to underpin her future academic and career choices.