Diplomacy Undergraduate Presents Research at International Conference

Rising School of Diplomacy senior LJ Davis presented original research in French at Le futur de la Francophonie, an international conference held on June 29, 2026, at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fez, Morocco. The conference was co-organized by Matthew Escobar, Ph.D., associate professor of French and Spanish and director of the French program at Seton Hall. It included undergraduate and graduate student presenters from the English and French departments at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University and drew more than 40 attendees.

Davis, a double major in Diplomacy and International Relations and French, presented his paper titled “Léon le voyageur, l’exilé,” based on Amin Maalouf’s novel "Léon l’Africain." His research examined the ways identity develops through language, culture, travel and experience.

Using the novel’s protagonist, Hasan, Davis explored the idea that identity is not determined solely by where a person comes from. Instead, he argued that experiences across different cultures and places can create a richer and more complex sense of identity while allowing individuals to maintain their core values. The subject also resonated with Davis personally; having lived and studied abroad, he connected Hasan’s experiences of movement and cultural adaptation to his own experience of discovering new aspects of himself while immersed in unfamiliar environments.

Presenting the paper in Fez added another dimension to the project. The Moroccan city is an important setting in "Léon l’Africain," allowing Davis to discuss a work he studied at Seton Hall in a place closely connected to the novel. Davis also participated in a roundtable discussion following the presentations, engaging with conference participants entirely in French. He said his French coursework at Seton Hall and study abroad experience in France helped prepare him for the experience. “Although it required a great deal of focus, it also showed me how much my French language skills had grown,” Davis said.

The foundation for the project began in Professor Youssef Yacoubi’s Mediterranean Literature course, where Davis was introduced to "Léon l’Africain." He said the course encouraged him to think more deeply about questions of identity and cultural exchange, ideas that later became central to the paper he developed for the conference.

In his comments on Davis’ participation, Escobar noted that the paper was well received and highlighted Davis’ ability to participate in the subsequent roundtable discussion in fluent French.

For Davis, Le futur de la Francophonie also offered an opportunity to hear perspectives shaped by experiences different from his own. He said one of his biggest takeaways was recognizing that disagreement does not necessarily mean that one perspective is more valid than another. The experience has also influenced how Davis approaches his future academic and professional goals, reinforcing his interest in continuing to learn from perspectives and environments beyond those already familiar to him.

This conference represents part of a growing relationship between Seton Hall and Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University. According to Escobar, the collaboration could create future opportunities for students in Diplomacy, French, Arabic, Africana Studies, History and other areas. Students interested in learning more about future opportunities connected to the conference may contact Escobar at [email protected].

Categories: Arts and Culture, Nation and World