PHD Political Science Personal Statement of Purpose

One of my earliest childhood memories involves being held back at school for simply questioning Islam; I was just 11 years old. Born into a Muslim family in Al Ain, UAE, I have diligently developed a critical stance on the politics of Islam, which has become central to my intellectual and professional life as an advocate for religious tolerance. 

On December 15, 2018, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, declared 2019 as "The Year of Tolerance." This announcement brought unexpected hope and changed the course of my life. While I had planned to begin my Ph.D. research in lean government, this initiative, combined with my inherent curiosity, drove me to pursue broader academic and political endeavors. Since then, I have been deeply engaged in researching tolerance and its impacts on economic growth and human freedom. This significant event was followed by the Abraham Accord, which has the potential to benefit the entire MENA region, one of my primary research interests.  

At ____ University, I aim to pursue a Ph.D. in political science, focusing on International Relations and the minor field of Political Theory, with an emphasis on Political Economy. My research will center on tolerance in the Middle East. I am particularly interested in exploring the connection between religious tolerance and economic growth, using the UAE as a case study. Additionally, I hope to investigate the effects of the Abraham Accord and the warming political and economic relations between Israel and much of the Arab world, starting with the UAE.  

After earning my bachelor's degree in electronic engineering, I moved to India for two years. This experience significantly contributed to my evolving understanding of the importance of secular government, equality, and justice, sparking my curiosity about economics and politics in ways that a classroom could not. After receiving The Talented Students Scholarships from The UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Research, I completed my master's degree in enterprise systems at the National University of Ireland in Galway. 

My postgraduate studies in research methods, operation research, and statistics provided a solid foundation in both quantitative and qualitative methods. My master's thesis focused on “The Application of DMAIC Methodology for Process Improvement in Hydrophilic Process,” and my secondary research addressed “The Determinants of International Investment in Dubai.” These research experiences led me to develop certain methodological preferences, such as using case study analysis and statistical modeling techniques, particularly regression analysis. 

This achievement, along with the years I have spent living in the United States, has given me a deep understanding of American society and politics, and taught me the importance of adopting 'inward-looking' methodological perspectives regarding the political economy and relations between the UAE, the MENA region, and the USA.  

I believe that an 'inward-looking' interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach—both qualitative and quantitative—can help me perceive realities and develop new tools for analyzing and addressing development challenges in the MENA Region. It is crucial not only to focus on processes of dominance but also to consider how being an Emirati woman and scholar offers a privileged starting point for analysis, especially given the lack of empirical studies on this topic. 

The specific research question driving me is whether tolerance positively correlates with economic growth. I am interested in two components of this question. The first involves analyzing a hypothesized relationship between growth and tolerance using theoretical models to explore how tolerance could accelerate technological developments, innovation, and economic growth. The second component involves a nuanced analysis of the meaning of tolerance within an Emirati context and its limitations in the UAE. Conducting a cross-country study could be beneficial in linking economic freedom to tolerance. It is also important to examine the factors that determine the degree of tolerance in UAE society, which may differ from other societies.   

The second research question focuses on the UAE-Israel Abraham Accord and its impact. The Accord was founded on shared strategic, economic, and trade interests between the countries to establish a significant breakthrough for regional peace. More MENA countries, such as Bahrain and Sudan, have joined the Accord, which is expected to open new economic opportunities. It is essential to explore the potential benefits of regional trade and investment relations between Israel and the UAE. Thus, I am an excellent fit with the Department of Political Science at __, which will provide me with the methodological and theoretical tools needed to pursue my research interests. 

After thoroughly researching graduate programs in Political Science at several universities, I have chosen __U as my first choice for various reasons, including the distinguished faculty, such as Professor Nathan Brown, who has significantly impacted the field of Political Science and published numerous books on Arab politics. Professor Mark Lynch would be an excellent academic advisor, given his expertise in Middle East politics, Arab media and public opinion, Islamist movements, and public diplomacy. 

George Washington University is well-equipped to support new graduate students interested in innovative research to tackle current global challenges. I am the best fit for your program because of the comprehensive manner in which the relationship between politics and economics is explored at GWU. This investment will open up new possibilities for dialogue between cultures and religions, from a female Emirati perspective, in areas where there have been significant historical tensions. 

PHD Political Science Personal Statement of Purpose