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