Mehdi Khalaji
Washington,USA
Summary
Distinguished Iranian-American scholar and policy analyst with over two decades of expertise in Middle Eastern geopolitics, Shiite theology, and Iranian affairs. Former Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy (2005–2023), with a robust portfolio of policy research, media commentary, and academic contributions. Proficient in advising governmental and academic institutions on regional dynamics, with a deep understanding of the interplay between religion and politics in the Middle East.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Fellow
The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
Washington, USA
01.2005 - 01.2023
- Conducted in-depth research on Iran's political landscape and Shiite groups in the Middle East.
- Published analyses in prominent outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Foreign Policy.
- Advised U.S. policymakers on Middle Eastern affairs, contributing to informed decision-making processes.
- Delivered lectures and participated in panels on regional politics and religious dynamics.
Producer and Political Analyst
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty – Radio Farda
Prague, Czech Republic
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Produced and presented programs focusing on Iranian politics and society.
- Provided analysis on current events impacting Iran and the broader Middle East.
Political Analyst
BBC Persian Service
Paris, France
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Analyzed Iranian political developments for Persian-speaking audiences.
- Contributed to the BBC's understanding of Iran's internal and external affairs.
Editor and Contributor
Naqd va Nazar & Entekhab Daily
Tehran, Iran
01.1990 - 12.1999
- Served on editorial boards, contributing articles on theology and politics.
- Facilitated discourse on contemporary issues within Iranian society.
Lecturer in Philosophy
University of Qom
Qom
01.1990 - 12.1999
- Taught courses in philosophy, engaging students in critical discussions on Islamic thought.
Education
Shiite theology and exegesis
Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes (Sorbonne)
/2000 - /2002
Islamic theology and jurisprudence
Qom Seminary
Qom1997
Skills
- Iranian Political Dynamics
- Shiite Theology and Clerical Structures
- Middle Eastern Geopolitics
- Policy Analysis and Strategic Advising
- Media Commentary and Public Speaking
- Academic Research and Translation
Affiliations
- Contributor to Encyclopedia Iranica
Languages
Persian
Native
English
Proficient (C2)
Arabic
Proficient (C2)
French
Proficient (C2)
PUBLICATIONS
- The Regent of Allah: Ali Khamenei's Political Evolution in Iran, 2023
- Evil in Modern Thought, Susan Neiman, English-Persian translation, 2019
- Through the Veil: about Clergy, Sharia, and State, 2018
- Men in Dark Times, Hannah Arendt, English-Persian translation, 2016
- From Ijtihad to Critique of Islamic Reason, Mohammed Arkoun, French-Persian translation, 2015
- Innovation, Interdiction and Interpretation, Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd, Arabic-Persian translation, 2014
- The New Order of Clergy, 2013
- Disincarnated, Novel, 2004
- The Arab's Conscience, Burhan Ghalioun, Arabic-Persian translation, 1998
Timeline
Senior Fellow
The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
01.2005 - 01.2023
Producer and Political Analyst
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty – Radio Farda
01.2002 - 01.2004
Political Analyst
BBC Persian Service
01.2000 - 01.2002
Editor and Contributor
Naqd va Nazar & Entekhab Daily
01.1990 - 12.1999
Lecturer in Philosophy
University of Qom
01.1990 - 12.1999
Shiite theology and exegesis
Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes (Sorbonne)
/2000 - /2002
Islamic theology and jurisprudence
Qom Seminary
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