Shamel Azmeh

Dr. Shamel Azmeh is a Senior Lecturer in International Development at the Global Development Institute, University of Manchester. Previously, he held positions at the University of Bath (2016-2018) and the London School of Economics (2014-2016). He is also a visiting fellow at LSE’s Middle East Centre, leading projects on global value chains linking North Africa with the EU.

Education: BSc in Economics (University of Damascus), MSc in Globalisation and Development (University of Manchester), PhD in International Development (University of Manchester).

Research Interests: International Political Economy, Global Value Chains, Digital Trade, Labour Studies, and Middle East/North Africa regional dynamics. His work focuses on trade policy, industrialisation pathways, and the socio-economic implications of global production networks.

Publications: Over 14 peer-reviewed articles, including analyses of WTO reform, digital trade governance, and North Africa’s industrial challenges. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with policy relevance, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Professional Activities: Advised UNIDO, UNECA, OECD, and contributed to WTO policy debates. Organised conferences on global production networks and labour dynamics. His research has been widely cited and referenced in policy circles and media platforms like The Conversation.

Projects: Leads LSE’s project on North Africa-EU value chains. Explores automation’s impact on industrialisation, digital trade policies, and developmental state strategies in fragmented trade regimes.