معرفی
Dr. Rory McCarthy is an Associate Professor in Politics and Islam at the School of Government and International Affairs, Durham University. His research focuses on the comparative politics of the Middle East, democratization, political parties, and civil society activism, particularly examining Islamist political parties in Tunisia, Morocco, and Jordan.
- Current affiliation: Durham University (School of Government and International Affairs)
- Previous roles: Fellow by Examination in Oriental Studies at Magdalen College, Oxford; Guardian foreign correspondent in Islamabad, Baghdad, Beirut, and Jerusalem
- Education: BA in History (Cambridge), MPhil in Modern Middle Eastern Studies (Oxford), DPhil in Oriental Studies (Oxford)
McCarthy’s research explores the political dynamics of Islamist parties under authoritarian regimes, with a focus on Tunisia. His recent work highlights transgressive protest strategies, autonomous activism, and the distinction between religious and political activism. Current projects include a book on Islamist legitimacy crises in North Africa.
His publications span academic journals (Party Politics, Democratization), edited volumes (Oxford University Press), and media commentary. Key themes include the Arab Spring, authoritarian resilience, and democratic transitions in the Middle East.
- Scientific awards: Foreign Affairs best book of the year (2018), Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
- Grants: Leverhulme Research Fellowship (2024-25), British Academy/Leverhulme Trust Grant (2022-24), POMEPS Travel Grant (2021-22), SSHRC Canada Grant (2020-24), APSA Small Grant (2017-18)
McCarthy supervises doctoral students and maintains an active research agenda analyzing political legitimacy, party strategies, and post-Arab Spring transitions in the Middle East.
