About the Speaker: Ms. Nia Mahallati currently works as a senior Capture Manager at QinetiQ. She is an Army Veteran of 25 years and an Adjunct Professor at Webster University teaching International Law, International Relations, and Procurements & Acquisitions. She also served as an Adjunct Instructor for the Defense Intelligence Agency National Center for Credibility Assessment teaching Cross-Cultural Studies and Middle Eastern Studies. Nia has extensive experience in International Affairs and International Law including having served as Chief of Party on Several Department of State Rule of Law Programs in Afghanistan until August of 2021. She holds a Juris Doctorate Degree from the University of Georgia School of Law with an emphasis on International Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Vanderbilt.

About the Lecture: This lecture will provide an overview of the cultures, religions, and politics of the “Middle Eastern” region. This region has historically been defined as the geographic region extending from the eastern borders of Iraq to the Western borders of Egypt. However, recent and current events have created a need to extend the geographic boundaries of the region to include additional Arab countries, as well as Iran, Pakistan, Israel, and the regions of Kurdistan and Central Asia.

The term “Middle East” assumes somewhat of a “uniformity” of regional history, culture, and identity. However, in reality, this region possesses a wide range of diverse historical, political, ethnic, and religious qualities that make it one of the most complex and obscure regions in the world.

Thus, this lecture will provide an overview of the interplay of various historical, cultural, religious, and political factors within this wider region. It will also explore the uniqueness of different groups in this region. In examining these factors, recognition must also be given to this region as the birthplace of some of the world’s major religions, as well as the recent evolutions of powerful Islamic influences such as Hezbollah and the Taliban.

This lecture is intended for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge and understanding of the “Middle East.” The objective of the lecture is to provide a general understanding of the region as it applies to similarities and differences among cultural groups, geographies, historical backgrounds, concepts of different religious beliefs and practices, and differing perceptions of current issues.

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