Dr Majid Rafizadeh is an Iranian-American political scientist, Middle East expert and human rights advocate known for his sharp insight into global politics, foreign policy and geopolitical risk. As President of the International American Council and a board member of the Harvard International Review at Harvard University, he sits at the intersection of academia, policy and public commentary. Organisations invite him as a keynote speaker for his ability to explain complex global developments clearly, helping leaders understand the political forces shaping international markets, diplomacy and security.
Dr Rafizadeh’s academic career reflects a deep commitment to global scholarship. He holds a PhD in Government and International Affairs alongside several postgraduate degrees in Global and International Studies, Journalism and Communication, and Linguistics and Teaching. His work has been supported through scholarships and fellowships from institutions including Oxford University, the Fulbright Teaching Program, the Annenberg Foundation and the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has also taught at universities such as the University of California Santa Barbara, the University of South Florida and Damascus University.
Beyond academia, Dr Rafizadeh has played an active role in humanitarian and policy work. As a project director with the International Committee of the Red Cross, he contributed to initiatives connected to Afghanistan and Darfur, Sudan. He has also conducted research at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and served on advisory bodies addressing humanitarian challenges, including the Commission on Syrian Refugees. Through these roles, he has developed a strong reputation as a scholar who combines research with real-world impact.
Dr Rafizadeh is also an accomplished author whose work explores human rights, geopolitics and the realities of conflict in the Middle East. His books include In The Face of Fear, My Mother’s Story: Journey of Repression, Poverty, War, Patience, Perseverance, Protecting Human Rights of Children and Women, and US Foreign Policy: Understanding ISIS, The Middle East and The Complexity of The Syrian Civil War. Through these publications, he offers a deeply personal and analytical perspective on political upheaval, humanitarian challenges and the consequences of international policy decisions. Dr Rafizadeh is also a widely recognised political analyst whose commentary appears regularly across global media. He frequently provides analysis on networks including CNN, BBC, Fox News and Al Jazeera, and his writing has appeared in major outlets such as The New York Times, Foreign Policy, Newsweek and The Atlantic.
As a keynote speaker, he brings together academic depth, policy expertise and firsthand global experience, offering audiences practical insight into international affairs, geopolitical shifts and the future of the Middle East.
- 2024 - Author of "In The Face of Fear: The Story of My Mother"
- 2017 - Author of "Peaceful Reformation in Iran's Islam: A Life Story of Struggle & Poverty"
- 2016 - Author of "The Muslim Renegade: A Memoir of Struggle, Defiance & Enlightenment"
- 2016 - Author of "My Mother's Story: Journey of Repression, Poverty, War, Patience, Perseverance
- 2016 - Author of "Protecting Human Rights of Children & Women"
- 2016 - Author of "Women's Rights"
- 2016 - Author of "US Foreign Policy: Understanding ISIS, The Middle East & The Complexity of The Syrian Civil War"
- 2015 - Author of "My Story of Child Marriage"
How to hire Majid Rafizadeh
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Majid Rafizadeh for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
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