Annie Tracy Samuel

Annie Tracy Samuel is an Associate Professor of History and member of the graduate faculty at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). She holds a Ph.D. and M.A. (magna cum laude) from Tel Aviv University and a B.A. from Columbia University. Prior to UTC, she was a Research Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center. Her research focuses on modern Iranian and Middle Eastern history, particularly the Iran-Iraq War and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Her work has been published in International Security, Diplomatic History, and featured in The Atlantic, CNN, and ABC News. She also serves as president of the Southeast Regional Middle East and Islamic Studies Society since 2021.

Education:

• Ph.D. and M.A. in History (magna cum laude), Tel Aviv University
• B.A. in History and Political Science, Columbia University

Her research interests emphasize the intersection of military history, geopolitical conflict, and diplomatic strategy. Recent works analyze the Iran-Iraq War’s legacy on contemporary Iranian politics, nuclear negotiations, and U.S.-Iran relations. She frequently engages with policymakers through briefings at U.S. Department of Defense/State and contributes to public discourse via media outlets.

Key Themes in Publications: Her articles and book explore historical precedents impacting modern Middle East conflicts, U.S. foreign policy, and the role of militant groups in statecraft.

Advising & Leadership: While no formal advisees are listed, her academic leadership includes the Southeast Regional Society presidency and collaborative research in policy-relevant historical analysis. She has presented at the Middle East Studies Association and American Historical Association conferences.