Colleague Maha Salem, head of the military section and editor-in-chief at Al-Ahram Gate, earned a master’s degree with distinction in political science and strategy for her thesis submitted to the Faculty of Economics and Political Science at Cairo University and the Military Academy for Advanced Studies and Strategy, titled: “The Role of Official Media in Crisis Management: The Crisis of Egyptian Students in Russia and Ukraine in 2022 as a Model.”

Discussion Committee

The discussion committee consisted of:

• Prof. Dr. Hala El-Hilali, Professor of Political Science and Vice Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Administration at October 6 University, and member of the Egyptian Society for International Law (Chair and Discussant).
• Dr. Shaimaa Abdel Salam Ibrahim, faculty member of the Political Science Department at the Faculty of Economics and Political Science – Beni Suef University.
• Dr. Hend Sultan, lecturer in International Relations at the Egyptian Chinese University and instructor at the Military Academy and National Defense College.

Analysis of Official Media Performance During the Crisis

The researcher reviewed the institutional efforts exerted to manage the crisis of Egyptian students in Russia and Ukraine in 2022, under the directives of the political leadership to evacuate and secure their return, considering them part of the Egyptian national security concept.

The study addressed the role played by official media, represented by statements from the Cabinet, Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, Higher Education, and Egyptian embassies abroad, in shaping the collective perception of citizens during the crisis.

The study relied on analyzing the content of official communication messages and their consistency with government communication theories and contemporary crisis management models.

Enhancing Trust Between Citizens and the State

During the discussion, Maha Salem confirmed, based on survey results and political discourse analysis, that official media played a pivotal role in enhancing trust between citizens and state institutions through transparency and spreading facts to counter rumors.

She pointed out that about 18,000 Egyptian students were studying in Russia and Ukraine during the crisis, noting that the thesis highlights the importance of building a sustainable and effective communication discourse characterized by credibility, speed, and humanity.

Comprehensive Communication Strategy

The researcher proposed an integrated communication strategy to enhance the performance of government media offices during crises, based on principles of effective communication, rumor management, building a national narrative supporting social stability, integrating traditional and digital media tools, and improving media personnel efficiency.

Academic Praise for the Thesis

The discussion committee praised the thesis for its deep scientific analysis and solid academic foundation, considering it an important reference for decision-makers to develop government media performance during crises and enhance the integration between official communication tools and the state’s approach to protecting its citizens at home and abroad.