Marian Miner Cook
Athenaeum

A distinctive
feature of social and
cultural life at CMC

 

Lebanon: What Now?

Wed, February 5, 2025
Dinner Program
Hicham Bou Nassif

Part of the “The Middle East: What Now?” series, Hicham Bou Nassif, the Weinberg Associate Professor of International Relations and the Middle East at Claremont McKenna College, will address the current political situation in Lebanon after the election of a new president, against a backdrop of ongoing ethnic tension, and rising popular demands to disarm Hezbollah. Will Lebanon finally move forward after five decades of incessant turmoil, or will the recent changes in the country lead to yet another cycle of civil unrest?

 

 

The Series: The October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel precipitated devastation and desperation in Gaza and Israel, with profound and consequential effects in the region and beyond. To evaluate the dynamic developments in the Middle East, all within the complex context of the region, the Athenaeum’s 5-part spring 2025 series “The Middle East: What Now?” will focus on perspectives from each of the following: Iran (March 11), Israel (February 6), Lebanon (February 5), Palestine (March 24), and Syria (April 7).

Hicham Bou Nassif, the Weinberg Associate Professor of International Relations and the Middle East at Claremont McKenna College, is a distinguished scholar with a Ph.D. in political science from Indiana University, a research doctorate from Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, an MA in political science and government from Saint Joseph University of Beirut, and a master’s degree in public law, all after obtaining his bachelor’s degree in law from Lebanese University.

His expertise spans various fields, including authoritarianism, civil-military relations, and Middle East politics. With a rich academic background, he has contributed significantly to the field, publishing the book "Endgames: Military Response to Protest in Arab Autocracies" (Cambridge University Press) and numerous peer-reviewed articles. He is currently writing a second book on America's policy in the Middle East under Reagan. 

Nassif's teaching experience encompasses a range of courses, from international relations to comparative politics. Proficient in Arabic, English, and French, he brings a multicultural perspective to his work. Beyond academia, he has undertaken extensive fieldwork in various countries in the Middle East, showcasing a hands-on approach to research, specifically focused on military politics in authoritarian contexts. Even before coming to the US to pursue his graduate studies, Hicham worked as a journalist in his home country of Lebanon. His career is marked by grants and fellowships obtained from Carleton College and Claremont McKenna College.

Professor Nassif’s Athenaeum presentation is part of the “Middle East: What Now?” series, co-sponsored by the President’s Leadership Fund.

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Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum

Claremont McKenna College
385 E. Eighth Street
Claremont, CA 91711

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