Dr. Mojtaba Mahdavi
Professor of Political Science
Specializing in Middle Eastern Politics, Political Islam, and Political Economy
Research Fields
My research lies at the intersection of critical Middle East Studies, Political Economy, Contemporary Islamic Studies, and Decolonial/Postcolonial Studies. It is primarily driven by my interest in socio-structural changes in the life of ordinary people and discursive/intellectual transformations in the MENA/Muslim contexts.
Middle Eastern Politics
Exploring political dynamics, governance structures, and social movements in the Middle East region. It is a complex and dynamic field shaped by a confluence of historical, economic, social, and geopolitical factors.
Political Islam
it refers to a broad set of ideologies and movements that view Islam as a source of political identity and a guiding framework for shaping state and society. It advocates for the implementation of Islamic principles, including Sharia law, in governance, public policy, and social life.
Political Economy
It examines how political decisions, institutions, and power structures influence economic activity, distribution of wealth, and resource allocation, and conversely, how economic forces shape political outcomes and governance.
Contemporary Islamic Studies
It explores diverse aspects such as modern Islamic thought, movements, law, ethics, arts, and their interactions with global phenomena like globalization, secularism, and post-colonialism.
Current Research Projects
Red Capitalism and Neoliberal Authoritarianism Revisiting Sino-MENA Relations
The rise of the brics block has contributed to the emergence of a multiplex world. This shift in power dynamics has revealed the crisis of the existing liberal international order, a relative decline in the U.S. power, and a gradual transition towards a post-American order.
THE VELAYAT-E FAQIH: BASIS, POWER AND LONGEVITY
‘Zan, Zendegi, Azadi’ (Women, Life, Freedom) is the motto of the democratic social movement in Iran which was sparked by the death in detention of Mahsa Amini, who had been detained by Iran’s so- called morality police on 16 September 2022. 5 This nationwide progressive movement, ongoing at the time of writing, is largely led by women and others in Iran’s subaltern classes. It has shaken the ideological foundation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, namely the institution of the velayat-e faqih (guardianship of the jurist).
Publications
A collection of peer-reviewed articles, conference papers, and academic contributions to the field of political science.
Red Capitalism and Neoliberal Authoritarianism: Revisiting Sino-MENA Relations.
The rise of the brics block has contributed to the emergence of a multiplex world.This shift in power dynamics has revealed the crisis of the existing liberal international order...
The Myth of Middle East Exceptionalism: Unfinished Social Movements
More than a decade after the birth of contemporary social movements in the Middle East and North Africa scholars are asking what these movements have achieved and how we should evaluate their lasting legacies. ...
Did Progressive Muslims Pave the Way for the Hegemony of Khomeinism?: Public Religion and the 1979 Revolution.
Pre-revolutionary Iran never experienced a homogeneous Islamist culture. There were chunks of cultural and political discourses, representing particular histories, social bases and social cleavages in pre-revolutionary Iran. ...
The Velayat-e Faqih: Basis, Power, and Longevity.
‘Zan, Zendegi, Azadi’ (Women, Life, Freedom) is the motto of the democratic social movement in Iran which was sparked by the death in detention of Mahsa Amini, who had been detained by Iran’s socalled morality police on 16 September 2022.5 This nationwide progressive movement ...
For a complete list of publications visit my Academic Profiles
Books
Comprehensive scholarly works that contribute to our understanding of political science, democracy, and Middle Eastern politics.
The Myth of Middle East Exceptionalism
Syracuse University Press
2023
This volume, inspired by critical post-colonial/decolonial studies, and interdisciplinary perspectives of social movement theories, gender studies, Islamic studies, and critical race theory, challenges and demystifies the myth of “MENA Exceptionalism”.
Rethinking China, the Middle East and Asia in a 'Multiplex World'
Brill
2022
This edited volume critically examines the changing dynamics of multidimensional relations between China, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Asia in an emerging 'multiplex world'. It challenges both extremes of 'Sinophobia' and 'Sinophilia'...
Towards the Dignity of Difference?
Routledge
2012
The rise of popular social movements throughout the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and North America in 2011 challenged two hegemonic discourses of the post-Cold War era: Francis Fukuyama's 'The End of History' and Samuel Huntington's 'The Clash of Civilizations'.
Edited Volumes & Contributions
The Many Faces of Contemporary Post-Islamism.
Mahdavi, Mojtaba. Guest Editor. Religions, 2021.
This Special Issue of Religions critically examines the many faces and forces of contemporary post-Islamist discourses/movements in Muslim majority contexts.
Contemporary Social Movements in the Middle East and Beyond.
Mahdavi, Mojtaba. Guest Editor. Sociology of Islam. Vol. 2, Issue 3-4, (2014).
Future Students
Join our research community and contribute to advancing knowledge in political science. I welcome passionate students who are committed to rigorous scholarship.
Available Positions
PhD Students
Seeking motivated doctoral candidates interested in Middle Eastern politics, comparative democratization, or political Islam.
Requirements:
- •Master's degree in Political Science or related field
- •Strong academic background with relevant coursework
- •Research proposal aligned with my research interests
- •Proficiency in research methods and statistical analysis
MA Students
Opportunities for Master's students to work on research projects and develop thesis proposals.
Requirements:
- •Bachelor's degree with strong academic record
- •Interest in political science research
- •Good writing and analytical skills
- •Commitment to academic excellence
Research Assistants
Undergraduate and graduate research assistant positions available for ongoing projects.
Requirements:
- •Enrolled in Political Science or related program
- •Strong research and writing skills
- •Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
- •Interest in Middle Eastern politics preferred
Research Opportunities
Current Research Projects
Ready to Apply?
If you are interested in joining our research community, I encourage you to reach out with your CV, research interests, and a brief statement of purpose.
Get in Touch
I welcome opportunities for collaboration, speaking engagements, and academic discussions. Feel free to reach out for any inquiries.
Contact Information
Office Address
10-25 Tory (H.M.) Building
11211 Saskatchewan Drive NW
Edmonton AB, T6G 2H4
mahdavia@ualberta.ca
Phone
+1 (780)-492-0736
Office Hours
Tuesdays & Thursdays
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(By appointment only)
Send a Message
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