Academy Fellow

Prof Akbarzadeh has made a significant contribution to the study of religion in society that has included examination of sectarianism in the Middle East and the role of Islam in foreign policy making, Muslim integration in Australia and religious extremism. He is extending his inquiry about the role of Islam in international affairs into Indonesia as part of a joint ARC DP. His work has challenged positivist interpretations and developed a holistic approach to group identity, especially among states, that draws from historical memory and emotion. His work on state identity in Iran as the basis for foreign policy, resulting from his ARC Future Fellowship, has become a reference source. It enriches our understanding of rational decision making by states against the backdrop of historical grievances and adds to the constructivist literature in international relations.

Akbarzadeh’s standing and impact is evident in his stellar track record with ARC and other competitive funding bodies. He has led 6 discovery projects (including the esteemed Future Fellowship), 1 ARC Linkage and has been part of the team that won the ARC Asia-Pacific Network grant, an ARC initiative to consolidate research networks. Akbarzadeh was part of the winning team and served on the executive committee (2004-2009). These are competitive schemes and his success reflects his stature among his peers. He also presents impressive accomplishments with international funders, including Carnegie Corporation NY, Gerda Henkel Foundation and the US State Department. These projects have been collaborative, involving peers in Australia and overseas, and have resulted in an impressive quality publication record. This is an impressive record in social sciences.

Akbarzadeh’s research and engagement has informed public policy, professional practice, and the public understanding of contemporary challenges in his field of expertise. He frequently provides expert advice and analysis on Middle East affairs, Muslim communities in the West and issues of social cohesion. Akbarzadeh has worked with DFAT and USAID to apply his expertise on capacity building initiatives. Working with DFAT under the flagship Australia Award Indonesia scheme, he has delivered multiple leadership and capacity building programs in Indonesia. His impeccable track record of research excellence and willingness to engage in outreach has made him a highly effective scholar to build bridges between academe and society.

Deakin University (2014 – present)

University of Melbourne (2008-2013)

Monash University (2002-2007)

1. Shahram Akbarzadeh: The Politics and International Relations of the Middle East: Crisis Zone – second edition (London: Routledge, 2022). Listed by BookAuthority in top 20 books in International Relations for 2024. (under contract for Third Edition)

2. Shahram Akbarzadeh: Uzbekistan and the United States: Authoritarianism, Islamism and Washington's Security Agenda (London: Zed books, 2005).

3. Shahram Akbarzadeh (ed): Handbook of Middle East Politics (Edward Elgar, 2023)

4. Shahram Akbarzadeh (ed): Routledge Handbook of International Relations in the Middle East (Oxon & NY: Routledge, 2020)

5. Shahram Akbarzadeh et al: ‘The web of Big Lies: state-sponsored disinformation in Iran’, Contemporary Politics (July 2024) Q1