précis Magazine

Spring ∕ Summer 2022
	National narratives and the US-Iran conflict *In memory of John Tirman, the author of this feature story, who passed away suddenly on Friday, August 19, 2022. Read the obituary and tributes.* Iran and the US have differing interests and grievances about each other, but their often-deadly confrontation derives from the very different national narratives that shape their politics, actions, and vision of their own destiny in the world. In Republics of Myth, a new book published by the Johns Hopkins University Press, Hussein Banai, Malcolm Byrne, and John Tirman argue that a major contributing factor to this tenacious enmity is how each nation views itself. Featured here is an excerpt written by John Tirman. He served as executive director of and was a principal research scientist at CIS. Read more
	From South Africa, a success story for democracy In a new book, MIT political scientist Evan Lieberman examines a quarter-century of post-Apartheid government and finds meaningful progress. He hopes readers will both absorb the substantive case for regarding South African democracy as a success, while also considering that speaking up about the value of democracy is a part of sustaining it. Read more
	Blame games: Malattribution and the Madrid train bombings After an act of political violence, the first question most people ask is who is responsible. Blame can be a powerful political force that spurs anger and mobilizes people. When leaders shape the public narrative about blame, it can allow them to deflect criticism and pursue policy goals, explains Nina Miller, a PhD student in security studies and international relations in the Department of Political Science. Read more
	précis Interview: Steven Simon Steven Simon joined CIS in 2021 as its Robert E Wilhelm Fellow. He served as the National Security Council senior director for the Middle East and North Africa during the Obama Administration and as the council's senior director for counterterrorism in the Clinton White House. He sat down with précis to discuss his research at MIT, assess our nation’s security challenges, and offer advice to students pursuing careers in national security. Read more
	CIS honors Robert Wilhelm The Robert E Wilhelm Fellows Program brings real-world experience and new scholarship to CIS and is a vital part of its research community. Since its inception in 2004, the Center has hosted 18 Wilhelm Fellows from around the globe, including Egypt, India, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, United Kingdom, and the United States. Read more
	Briefings What Russia’s invasion of Ukraine means for the world; 3 Questions: The future of international education; Traveling the world to make a global impact; Mobilizing across borders to address global challenges; Congressional seminar introduces MIT faculty to 30 Washington staffers; Eleanor Freund receives Jeanne Guillemin Prize Read more
	Activities “War in Ukraine” compendium; CIS awards 17 summer study grants; Inspired by Israel: Arts education, and innovation at MIT; MIT x TAU webinar series returns for its second year; CIS congratulates the graduates; MIT-France celebrates seed fund anniversary; Emile Bustani Middle East Seminar; SSP Wednesday Seminar; Starr Forums. Read more
	End Notes End Notes features the professional achievements of our scholars, students, and staff. This includes recent awards, speaking engagements, and publications. Read more