Guest lecture: Filmmaking, diplomacy, and the war on terror

A conversation with Leon Shahabian, Principal at Global Insights Group LLC

Thursday, November 5, 2026 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM EST

Join Professor Nathaniel Greenberg and his Honors 240 class, "The War of Ideas," for a special guest lecture featuring Leon Shahabian, Principal at Global Insights Group LLC.

Shahabian will discuss the role of filmmaking and track-two diplomacy in the battle for hearts and minds during the war on terror, drawing on his extensive experience in international relations, media production, and diplomacy.

About the Speaker

Leon Shahabian serves as a Principal at Global Insights Group LLC, an advisory services firm focused on the Arabian Peninsula. He is also Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Middle East Policy Council (MEPC).

Previously, Shahabian was a Senior Associate with the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where he also served on the Risk and Foresight Group and as a Senior Associate of the International Security Program.

In 2002, he co-founded Layalina Productions, serving as its President and Executive Producer until 2019. During his time at Layalina, Shahabian implemented cooperative agreements in 15 Arab countries on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. He also produced and directed award-winning television programs and films distributed through MBC Group channels, Al Arabiya, OSN, the Sundance Channel, New Line Television, and Warner Brothers.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Time: 10:30–11:45 a.m.
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax Campus (specific location provided upon RSVP)

For more information or to attend, please contact Professor Nathaniel Greenberg at ngreenbe@gmu.edu.