Dr. Fadi Hilani

Dr. Fadi Hilani

Dr. Fadi Hilani is a Senior Academic and Research Fellow-in-Residence at the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations.

Born in Aleppo, Syria, and raised between Syria and the United Kingdom, Dr. Hilani holds a Ph.D. in Linguistics from the University of Essex and a Master’s degree in Near Eastern Studies from New York University. His research interests encompass Middle East politics, cultural diplomacy, and the role of soft power in international affairs.

Dr. Hilani has held academic positions at esteemed institutions, including Aleppo University in Syria, Isra University in Jordan, and Montclair State University in New Jersey. As a professor, he has guided students in understanding the intricate relationship between language, culture, and politics. As a Senior Fellow at the National Council, Dr. Hilani plays a pivotal role in advancing scholarly discourse on Middle East policy, U.S.-Arab relations, and the impact of emerging technologies on diplomacy. His insights are regularly featured in international media, including Alarabiya and Alhadath TV, where he provides expert analysis on regional conflicts and foreign policy developments.

Dr. Hilani’s research contributions extend beyond academia to policy-oriented publications. Notably, he has examined 'Disaster Politics and Earthquake Diplomacy in Syria and Turkey' and 'Joystick Diplomacy in the Arab Gulf,' analyzing the intersection of esports and foreign policy in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. His work underscores the evolving nature of diplomacy, where media, sports, and technology serve as key instruments of statecraft. Through his scholarship, Dr. Hilani continues to contribute to the National Council’s mission of fostering deeper understanding and collaboration between the United States and the Arab world.