Nermin Allam

Nermin Allam is a compelling speaker whose research and presentations bring fresh insights to discussions on gender politics and social movements in the Middle East and North Africa. As an Associate Professor of Political Science at Rutgers University-Newark, a Nonresident Fellow in the Middle East Programme at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and a 2024–2025 Visiting Fellow at the Kellogg Institute for International Studies, Nermin combines academic expertise with extensive fieldwork experience. Her talks invite audiences to rethink prevailing narratives about women’s activism, protest movements, and the political landscape in the region.

From her early beginnings in academia, Nermin steadily built a reputation as a dedicated scholar. After earning a Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations and Comparative Politics from the University of Alberta, she pursued a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada postdoctoral fellowship at Princeton University, where she refined her analyses of grassroots movements. During this period, she also served as a Senior Analyst for the Government of Alberta, an experience that broadened her perspective on governance and policy-making. This diverse professional path set the foundation for her commitment to illuminating voices often overlooked in global political discussions.

In recent years, Nermin has gained considerable recognition for her scholarship and public engagement. Her book, Women and the Egyptian Revolution: Engagement and Activism during the 2011 Arab Uprisings, published by Cambridge University Press, has influenced debates on social mobilisation and gender studies. Additionally, her work has appeared in prominent outlets such as Perspectives on Politics, Mobilisation, Politics & Gender, and Social Research: An International Quarterly. Beyond academia, she has contributed articles on Middle East politics to the Washington Post, the Conversation, and Inside Higher Ed, underlining her passion for bridging scholarly insight with wider public discourse.

Audiences hire Nermin not only for her expert knowledge but also for her dynamic ability to connect with diverse groups. She serves on the board of the Arab Political Science Network and co-edits the APSA-MENA newsletter, further reflecting her dedication to inclusive engagement. Whether discussing women’s roles in political transitions or assessing new forms of civic activism, Nermin’s presentations resonate with clarity and conviction, leaving listeners empowered to re-examine their assumptions and approach global challenges with renewed perspective.