Zachary Lockman

Zachary Lockman is a Professor of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies and History at New York University's College of Arts & Science. His research focuses on modern Middle Eastern socio-political history, particularly Egypt and Palestine, with emphasis on labor movements, colonialism, and academic historiography. He has held leadership roles including Middle East Studies Association (MESA) presidency and editorial positions at Middle East Report.

Education: PhD in History from Harvard University (1983).

Research interests span Egyptian working-class formation (1882–1954), Palestinian labor dynamics (1906–1948), and U.S. Middle East studies' Cold War-era development. His work critiques Orientalism and explores intersections between academia and policy. Recent publications include Field Notes: The Making of Middle East Studies in the United States (2016) and foundational texts like Workers on the Nile (1987, co-authored).

Teaching includes courses on Palestine-Israel relations, Egypt's modern history, and U.S.-Middle East interactions. His scholarship bridges labor history, colonial studies, and disciplinary critique, emphasizing marginalized voices and transcommunal solidarity.

Professional contributions include archival research on area studies, policy-academia relations, and advocacy for academic freedom in Middle East studies.