March 11, 2014

The United States and the Arab World: Dynamics and Dimensions of a Relationship in Flux

John Duke Anthony, Founder, CEO and President, The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations

Anthony divides his presentation into two main parts: the positives and negatives of America and their relationship with the Arab world. He mentions that the American media poses the country in a light that isn’t as realistic as one might think. America is not a very generous country and donates a very low percentage of its budget to foreign aid. Others believe that America is not very good at providing security for other countries or allies. He emphasizes that Anti- Americanism is mostly towards American policies and less about the country itself or the American people. On a more positive note, Anthony discusses the beneficial characteristics of the US in that it is still number one in research and development. It has great educational institutions and successful military, and it represents hope and potential for the world.