Andrew Thomas

Andrew Thomas is a Lecturer in Middle East Studies and International Relations at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia, where he teaches courses on critical issues in the Middle East, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and global governance. He completed his PhD at Monash University in 2019 and has established himself as a prominent scholar in Middle Eastern politics with a focus on Iranian foreign policy and regional conflicts.

Dr. Thomas's research interests center on Middle Eastern politics, international relations theory with non-Western perspectives, Iranian foreign policy, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and postcolonial statecraft. His scholarly approach deliberately challenges conventional Western-centric frameworks in international relations, seeking to incorporate diverse perspectives that better reflect the complexities of the Middle East. His upcoming book "Iran and the West: a non-Western approach to foreign policy" (2024) promises to significantly contribute to this field.

His recent publications demonstrate consistent engagement with pressing contemporary issues in the region, particularly examining the structure and influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the viability of the two-state solution, and historical legacies like the Sykes-Picot agreement. These works showcase his ability to analyze complex geopolitical dynamics while making scholarly insights accessible to broader audiences through platforms like The Conversation.

Dr. Thomas has received recognition for his expertise through media engagements and speaking opportunities focused on Middle Eastern affairs. His work bridges academic scholarship with practical policy applications, contributing valuable perspectives to both scholarly debates and public discourse on Middle Eastern politics.

At Deakin University, he actively contributes to academic life through teaching, research, and potential supervision of graduate students in Middle Eastern studies and international relations. His professional presence extends to social media where he engages with current events under the handle @athomas_ir.