Academic work
I work as a
Lecturer in
Postcolonial Studies with Religion at Stirling University's School of
Languages,
Cultures and Religions.
Broadly, my research centres on religion, history and politics in an
international context, with a primary focus on the involvement of
Europeans overseas, especially in the Middle East.
My main
research project at the moment centres on the ways in which, in the
modern era, understandings of gender (especially within churches)
crossed national boundaries between Europe and the Middle East.
My
interests cut across the broad fields of theology, religion,
postcolonial theory, history, gender studies, politics and current
affairs. I also write and speak on these issues (in English und
auf Deutsch!),
especially in relation to the Middle East, the so-called 'war on
terror', the role of the West in the Middle East, 'religious
involvement' in contemporary society and politics, and related matters.
I welcome enquiries regarding writing, speaking and consultancy on
these issues - see below for ways to contact me.
I initiated and now co-run a scholarly network on Christians in
the Middle East. I am an Associate of the
think-tank Ekklesia
and also contribute occasional comment pieces
for their news service. I am a member of the Iona Community.
In the past I have taught Middle
East history and politics in the Department
of Politics and International Studies, School of Oriental and African
Studies, London. I have been a guest lecturer in Middle Eastern
history
and politics at the Institute for Advanced
Study, University of Pavia, Pavia.
I
have spent many years working in Europe and the Middle East: with and
in churches, charitable bodies, international NGOs, commercial
enterprises and arts organisations, and have acquired a wide range of
administrative, managerial, financial and other skills.
These pages contains an abbreviated curriculum vitae; some further
information is available on my university
staff page.
I am a historian, therefore I love life. (Henri
Pirenne, 1862-1935)
For some go of necessity astray, because for them
there is no such thing as a right path.
(Thomas Mann, 1875-1955 (in 'Tonio Kröger'))