Prof. Nazli Choucri

Professor of Political Science
Head, Middle East Program
Associate Director, Technology and Policy Program (TPP)

Primary DLC

Department of Political Science

MIT Room: E53-493

Assistant

Kathleen Searle
ksearle@mit.edu

Areas of Interest and Expertise

National and International Security
Connectivity and the Global Environment
Political and Economic Development in the Middle East
Modeling Oil Problems and Policies
Technology Transfer to Less Developed Countries
Analysis of Conflict Among Nations
Energy Problems in Latin America and Other Developing Countries
Strategies for Sustainable Development
Design for the Environment

Research Summary

Dr. Choucri’s research extends the theory of Lateral Pressure, framed earlier with Robert C. North at Stanford University. By highlighting interactions among the driving variables shaping prevailing propensities for expansion -- population, resources, and technology -- she explores powerful international dilemmas in three overarching “spaces” of 21st century politics, i.e. (i) the traditional geo-political arena, (ii) the natural environment, and (iii) the constructed domain of cyberspace - and the intersecting challenges.

A member of the European Academy for Science, Dr. Choucri’s international service includes two terms as President of the Scientific Advisory Committee of UNESCO's Management of Social Transformation Program, and for near twenty years, as Associate Director of the MIT's Technology and Development Program (TDP) flagship research program. Her international collaboration with scholars and policy analysts includes work in Algeria, Canada, Colombia, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, Pakistan, Qatar, Sudan, Switzerland, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Professor Choucri has served as General Editor of the International Political Science Review and, for two terms each, on the Editorial Board of the American Political Science Review and the Science Board of the Santa Fe Institute. She is the founding Editor of the MIT Press Series on Global Environmental Accord. Currently, on the Board of the Boston Global Forum, she is also a founding member of the Artificial Intelligence World Society (AIWS).

Recent Work

  • Video

    1.19.23-Geopolitics-Webinar

    January 19, 2023Conference Video Duration: 62:7
    Nazli Choucri
    Professor, MIT Political Science
    Luis Videgaray
    Senior Lecturer, MIT Sloan School of Management
    Director, MIT Artificial Intelligence Policy for the World Project