“The center gives an umbrella net and integrates special disciplines within a global framework in addition to opening up the field to non-specialists,” Necipoglu says.

Princeton is considering establishing an institute for international studies, which would, “bring together people from various departments resulting in a better interchange between area studies and political science,” Hamori says.

In light of these methodological differences and financial limitations, such as the “soft hiring freeze” recently instituted by Dean of the Faculty William C. Kirby, Harvard will have its hands full trying to remain competitive in the field of Middle Eastern studies.

But professors at Harvard say this is challenge the University must meet.

“A place like Harvard is in an enviable position to watch what is going on in the world and help Americans to understand it,” Granara says. “However, to delve into a subject, we have to understand all aspects of it—you have to work in history, political science, cultural studies. We need to revamp.”

—Staff writer Ella A. Hoffman can be reached at ehoffman@fas.harvard.edu.