Research by the Middle East Studies Forum, part of the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, has contributed to Deakin and its researchers being ranked among Australia's top institutions in 2020, 2022, and 2023 by The Australian's Research Magazine.*
Our team conducts world-class research on the complexities of the Middle East and Central Asia, exploring international relations, security, civil society and more.
We host international and national events, including a biennial Middle East studies conference that fosters collaboration among researchers, students and policymakers. Our commitment to impactful research and teaching provides deep insights into the region’s political, social and cultural dynamics.
Our research addresses critical challenges in understanding contemporary society in the Middle East and Central Asia through a multidisciplinary lens.
We investigate international relations and security dynamics, examining the emergence of sub-state groups to provide insights into regional power structures.
Our work explores the evolving nature of civil society and democratic practices, while also addressing pressing humanitarian challenges in the region.
We examine the roles of minorities and women, focusing on their contributions and the effects of social dynamics within Middle Eastern societies.
Our research delves into the complex histories, languages and cultures of the region, challenging prevailing Western narratives of the 'Middle East'.
We utilise interdisciplinary approaches to deepen our understanding of the region, fostering innovative teaching and supporting higher degree research.
Join our esteemed researchers to explore international relations, civil society and the complexities of the Middle East and Central Asia. Collaborate on impactful initiatives and discover immersive study units and in-country programs that enhance your understanding of the region and its languages.
We have developed a number of international collaborations to conduct pioneering research projects, most notably in heritage studies, regional politics and Muslim affairs.
Professor Shahram Akbarzadeh
Convener, Middle East Studies Forum
The Middle East Studies Forum is home to a network of distinguished researchers specialising in the politics, culture and dynamics of the Middle East and Central Asia.
Professor Shahram Akbarzadeh is the convenor of the Middle East Studies Forum and the deputy director (international) of the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation. His research focuses on Islam in Iran’s foreign policy, sectarianism and Muslim integration in Australia, contributing to debates on regional politics.
Professor Ihsan Yilmaz is the chair of Islamic studies and intercultural dialogue at the Alfred Deakin Institute. His research covers citizenship, authoritarianism, political Islam and Muslim minority relations in Western contexts. He is also an active public intellectual, frequently appearing in international media.
Our researchers are involved in groundbreaking projects that address critical challenges affecting democracy and conflict resolution in the Middle East and South Asia.
This project examines the dual impact of smart digital technologies on democracy in Iran, Turkey, Pakistan and Egypt. Funded by the Gerda Henkel Foundation, it investigates how these technologies empower grassroots voices while posing risks to deliberative democracy. The project includes a publicly accessible Zotero library that curates resources in multiple languages.
Funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, this project conducts a comparative analysis of the Syrian and Afghan proxy wars. It highlights the influence of foreign actors on peace and security in these regions through interactive maps, data collections and policy dialogues. The team collaborates with local partners to produce policy briefs aimed at facilitating conflict resolution.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our list of sources.
^Source The Australian's Research Magazine, 2020, 2022, 2023
Have questions or want to learn more about our research and opportunities? Reach out to our team and discover how you can contribute to advancing knowledge in Middle East and Central Asia studies.
