William Figueroa

William Figueroa is an Assistant Professor of History and Theory of International Relations at the University of Groningen’s Faculty of Arts. His research focuses on historical and contemporary Sino-Iranian relations, emphasizing transnational exchanges, revolutionary movements, and performative diplomacy. He holds a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and has conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Cambridge and University of Pennsylvania’s Middle East Centre.

• Education: PhD in History (University of Pennsylvania), B.A. in Anthropology and Asian Studies (Rice University)
• Research Interests: Iran-China relations from 1920–present, Cold War history, transnational left-wing networks, Silk Road exchanges, and non-Western diplomatic models
• Public Engagement: Host of the Reading Beijing podcast on China-MENA relations, frequent media commentator for Bloomberg, Al Jazeera, and Reuters

His work bridges historical analysis with contemporary geopolitics, particularly examining how performative diplomacy and ideological networks shape Sino-Middle Eastern ties. Recent publications include studies on the 1920 Sino-Persian Treaty, Maoist influences in 1960s Iran, and the limits of the 25-year China-Iran strategic agreement.

Teaching responsibilities include Theory of International Relations and a research seminar on China and the Global South.