Stephen P. Cohen, Canadian academic (b. 1945)

Stephen Philip Cohen (May 28, 1945 – January 25, 2017) was a distinguished American scholar renowned for his profound expertise in Middle Eastern affairs. His extensive work primarily focused on understanding complex regional conflicts and advancing the discourse surrounding peace processes in the Middle East. Dr. Cohen dedicated his prolific career to offering nuanced analyses and exploring practical pathways toward stability and resolution within this critically important geopolitical landscape.

The Institute for Middle East Peace and Development (IMEPD): A Cornerstone of Dialogue

A significant and enduring legacy of Dr. Cohen’s commitment to Middle Eastern studies was his establishment of the Institute for Middle East Peace and Development (IMEPD) in 1979. As the visionary founding president of this pivotal institution, he meticulously shaped its mission and steered its initiatives for many years. The IMEPD emerged as a dedicated hub for facilitating constructive dialogue and fostering rigorous academic research aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges of the region.

The Institute for Middle East Peace and Development was strategically based at the prestigious Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY). This academic affiliation provided the IMEPD with a robust institutional framework, enabling it to leverage CUNY’s extensive scholarly resources and intellectual community. Under Dr. Cohen’s leadership, the IMEPD became instrumental in conducting objective research, organizing international conferences, and publishing insightful analyses on critical themes such as the intricacies of the Arab-Israeli conflict, regional security dynamics, and socio-economic development across the Middle East. Its collective efforts were consistently geared towards informing policymakers, enriching public understanding, and encouraging sustainable peaceful resolutions.

Dr. Cohen’s work, both through the IMEPD and his independent scholarship, made substantial contributions to the academic field of Middle Eastern studies. He was widely recognized for his analytical depth and his steadfast dedication to advancing the pursuit of peace and understanding in one of the world’s most complex regions. His scholarly insights continue to inform and inspire subsequent generations of researchers and practitioners in international relations and conflict resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions about Stephen Philip Cohen and the IMEPD

• Who was Stephen Philip Cohen?

  Stephen Philip Cohen was a prominent American scholar specializing in Middle Eastern affairs, widely recognized for his expertise in peace processes and conflict resolution within the region.

• What was a major contribution of Stephen Philip Cohen?

  A major contribution was his founding of the Institute for Middle East Peace and Development (IMEPD) in 1979, an organization dedicated to research and dialogue on Middle Eastern conflicts and peace initiatives.

• When was the Institute for Middle East Peace and Development founded?

  The Institute for Middle East Peace and Development (IMEPD) was founded by Dr. Stephen Philip Cohen in 1979.

• Where was the IMEPD primarily located?

  The Institute for Middle East Peace and Development (IMEPD) was primarily based at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY).

• What was the purpose of the IMEPD?

  The IMEPD’s purpose was to conduct rigorous research, host significant dialogues, and publish insightful analyses to promote peace and development, inform policy, and deepen public understanding of Middle Eastern affairs.