About:
This presentation is based on unprecedented empirical research into the psychology of Syrian refugees in the Middle East and in Europe, carried out by an international team of researchers headed up by Professor Arie Kruglanski of the University of Maryland. The research supported by the MINERVA program at the US Department of Defense bears on questions such as refugees’ motivations, their state of mind and feelings as function of the welcome they receive in the host countries. The research looks at the interlocking views of refugees and local populations, how these are affected by cultural differences, and the conditions under which refugees are likely to integrate successful into host society as opposed to remaining an alienated minority. In light of the growing refugee problem worldwide (70 million displaced persons as of this writing) that is threatening to worsen as function of international conflicts and climate change, this research offers a rare empirically based window into the refugees’ psyche and its implications for world societies.
Speakers:
Arie W. Kruglanski
University Professor of Psychology at the University of Maryland, Recipient of the National Institute of Mental Health Research Scientist Award, the Donald Campbell Award for Outstanding Contributions to Social Psychology, the University of Maryland Regents Award for Scholarship and Creativity and the Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award from the Society for Experimental Social Psychology
David Webber
Assistant Professor in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University
