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 in Syria and the United Kingdom, Dr. Hilani holds a Ph.D. in Linguistics from the University of Essex in the UK, 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, Sky News Arabia, Al-Ghad TV, France 24, and Alqahera News, where he provides expert analysis on regional conflicts and foreign policy developments.
Dr. Hilani’s policy research advances a sophisticated understanding of contemporary diplomacy, highlighting the intersection of geopolitics, culture, and emerging technologies in shaping U.S.-Arab relations. His analyses delve into how natural disasters can act as catalysts for diplomatic engagement, offering new pathways for cooperation amid crisis. He examines the strategic use of esports and digital gaming in the Gulf as innovative tools of soft power, particularly in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to position itself as a global cultural and technological hub. His work on Syria presents a forward-looking framework for U.S. policy to support a more stable and inclusive regional order. Addressing the intensifying confrontation between Israel and Iran, Dr. Hilani advocates for proactive and balanced American diplomacy to prevent escalation. In the context of shifting U.S. foreign policy, he also assesses the broader implications of renewed Gulf engagement under a potential second Trump administration. Collectively, his scholarship reflects a commitment to reimagining diplomacy through multidisciplinary lenses, contributing meaningfully to the National Council’s mission of deepening mutual understanding and strategic cooperation between the United States and the Arab world.
Selected Policy Publications:
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