How Qatar is Transforming the University of South Carolina: A Deep Dive into Global Educational Alliances

Is the Middle East more than just Islam? Anyone who has spent time in the region knows it is rich in complexity and diversity. However, students at the University of South Carolina (USC) might not get the full picture. Their studies about the Middle East seem heavily influenced by Qatar and political agendas that focus mainly on Islamic perspectives.

Take USC’s Walker Institute of International and Area Studies. It offers minors in various regions, like Africa and Europe, but when it comes to the Middle East, it only offers Islamic World Studies. This program mainly teaches about Islam, leaving little room for Jewish or Christian influences in the region. Most courses focus on Islamic cultures, with limited exploration of other religions or ethnicities. For instance, Judaism is barely represented in a course called “Jews and Muslims,” and Christianity only gets mentioned in the context of the Crusades.

This narrow view leads to an incomplete understanding of a region that is home to a variety of beliefs and histories. Interestingly, Jessica Barnes, a geography professor who chaired this program from 2021 to 2023, has faced criticism for emphasizing a specific perspective that minimizes other important narratives. Despite this, USC’s leadership has praised her contributions, raising eyebrows about the academic direction.

The influence of foreign interests complicates matters further. USC’s dean, Joel Samuels, leads the Rule of Law Collaborative, which has ties to Qatar. This relationship is concerning, especially given that Qatar has publicly supported groups like Hamas and has a history of financial dealings with various institutions. Between 2016 and early 2025, USC received nearly $17.5 million from Middle Eastern countries, with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE being the largest contributors. Such funding clearly indicates potential foreign influence over academic programs.

In 2023, some USC officials suggested that changing the program’s name to “Middle Eastern Studies” would be simple. However, they decided on “Middle East and Islamic World Studies,” which still lacks a comprehensive curriculum covering Christianity or Judaism. Instead of fostering a truly academic environment for diverse viewpoints, USC risks compromising its integrity for financial gain.

Moreover, the broader debate about foreign influence on education has gained attention. According to a recent survey, over 60% of academic institutions reported feeling the pressure from foreign governments regarding curriculum decisions. This trend raises important questions: Are universities prioritizing ideological and financial interests over academic rigor and diversity?

As the conversation about academic integrity continues, students and educators must advocate for a more inclusive understanding of the Middle East—one that acknowledges its rich tapestry of faiths, cultures, and histories. Only then can we begin to dismantle the simplified narratives that prevail in many academic spaces.

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