PhD Candidate Jon Hoffman, 26, Earns Middle East Policy Council’s ‘40 Under 40’ Honors

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Jon Hoffman: ‘I hope this award will serve to shine a light on the great work being produced by the broader Mason community.’

Jon Hoffman, a PhD candidate in political science at the Schar School of Policy and Government, has been included on the inaugural “40 Under 40” list by the Middle East Policy Council. The Council was founded in 1981 to contribute to American understanding of the political, economic, and cultural issues that affect U.S. interests in the Middle East. The nonprofit awarded Hoffman the honor for “making a significant impact on Middle East affairs and policy in Washington D.C.,” said Peter Mandaville, a professor at the Schar School who works with Hoffman.

Hoffman, a Charlottesville, Virginia, native who specializes in international relations and comparative politics, said “this award is more of a reflection of the amazing scholars at George Mason University who have guided me through both my undergraduate and graduate studies.

“They are the ones who taught me how to think critically and analytically and impressed upon me what it means to truly produce knowledge. I hope this award will serve to shine a light on the great work being produced by the broader Mason community.”

Hoffman credits Mandaville and Schar School associate professor Bassam Haddad for fostering/nurturing his intellectual and personal development. They, in turn, are delighted with his success/accomplishments/achievements.

“Jon has a professional profile and publishing record that rivals many seasoned experts,” said Mandaville. “He has succeeded in making a distinctive mark on the field of Middle East affairs very early in his career, and I’m thrilled that the Middle East Policy Council has seen fit to recognize this.”

Haddad pointed out that despite Hoffman’s successes, he’s rather young: Hoffman is 26-years-old.

“Jon has been able to accomplish in a remarkably short period as a graduate student what many professionals in the think-tank world take years to do,” Haddad said. “He made an impact as a critical writer on matters of foreign policy in the Middle East, while putting a dent in the dominant and stale discourse on the region. We are proud of him.”