Rasmus Christian Elling

Rasmus Christian Elling is an Associate Professor in Iranian Studies at the Department of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies, University of Copenhagen. With over 20 years of research experience studying Iranian society, culture and politics, he has established himself as a leading scholar in Middle Eastern studies, with particular expertise in social history, urbanism, and minority politics in Iran.

His educational background includes:

• PhD from Copenhagen University (2010)
• MA in Middle East Studies from Copenhagen University (2004)
• BA in Persian Language and Culture from Copenhagen University (2001)
• Multiple periods of field studies and language training in Iran and Turkey

Elling's research employs a methodology he describes as 'global micro-history' (or historical sociology), examining modern Iran through interconnected lenses of digital publics, urbanism, ethnicity, political movements, and ideology. His work draws extensively on cultural analysis, geography, and social theory, utilizing diverse sources from digital media to oral history. He has focused extensively on ethnic minorities, nationalism, oil politics, urban social movements, and student movements across different historical periods in Iran, particularly the 1940s, 1970s, and 1990s.

His recent publications demonstrate consistent interdisciplinary approaches to understanding Iranian history and society. Key trends include examining transnational aspects of Iranian politics, the relationship between urban spaces and political movements, the role of oil in Iranian history, and the dynamics of ethnic minorities within the Iranian state. His work often bridges historical analysis with contemporary political issues, showing how historical patterns continue to shape modern Iran.

Elling has supervised at least one PhD student and founded international summer schools under the 'Global Urban Studies' program. While specific scientific awards aren't listed in the available information, his significant media presence (172 press/media mentions) and extensive research output (112 items) indicate substantial recognition in his field.

He has been actively involved in public discourse, particularly regarding Middle Eastern politics, with numerous media contributions especially in 2024 related to Iran-Israel relations. His current research projects focus on transnational Iranian politics, the 1999 Tehran student uprising, Third-Worldism in the Middle East, and an annotated collection of primary sources on the Iranian Revolution.