Many people talk about America’s “soft power” as a key to success in defeating extremism around the world. Soft power is the ability to win over the hearts and minds of people, to influence their thinking and change behavior through the spread of ideas, dialogue and cultural exchanges. Certainly, culture, technology and entertainment originating from the United States are a potent form of influence globally.

In the Arab world, Egypt has been long recognized for its own brand of soft power. Home to 90 million people, it is the most populous nation in the Middle East. For the past century, Egypt has also been the most important center for scholars, artists, authors and intellectuals who have played an essential role in shaping Egyptian society and influencing Arab populations around the world.