Dr Marzieh Kouhi Esfahani is Assistant Professor in Politics and International Relations of the Middle East in the School of Government and International Affairs at Durham.
Tell us about your role within your department:
As the MA International Relations and MSc Arab World Studies Programme Director, my role is to oversee the quality and cohesiveness of these programmes and to ensure quality support for students’ learning. In doing so, I collaborate directly with the School’s Deputy Head of Education to improve various aspects of these programmes. I also meet with students who seem to be struggling to progress, to understand their challenges and find the best ways to support them.
The School of Government and International Affairs offers three International Relations programmes with Area Studies pathways: MA International Relations and Politics of the Middle East, MA International Relations East Asia Studies, and MA International Relations Europe.
Our MA International Relations and Politics of the Middle East, which is supported by the research and teaching of colleagues from the internationally renowned Institute for the Middle East and Islamic Studies (IMEIS), offers very attractive content, some of which is unrivalled across the UK.
As an Assistant Professor in Politics and International Relations of the Middle East I normally teach across both undergraduate and postgraduate level. However, in 2024-25, following some significant improvements we made to our MA programme I was teaching, along my other IMEIS colleagues, several postgraduate modules, including International Politics of the Middle East, Three Non Arab states of the Middle East and Researching the Global South.
What first attracted you to your chosen field of expertise?
I first learned about ‘International Relations’ and the fascinating topics it covers when I was employed by a think tank to establish the first web-based library of Politics and International Relations in Iran, based on my MA in Information and Library Management from Loughborough University. This was in the early 2000s when many aspects of the job, especially content acquisition and classification, were partly done manually. I had to read numerous documents to be uploaded to the library to ensure library standards were met.
This experience led me to realize how understanding International Relations can broaden one’s horizons and provide a global outlook. More importantly, it made me realize how inaccurate perceptions can be dangerous for the interests and security of various countries, and how positive attitudes are crucial in fostering mutual understanding, peace, and prosperity. This attracted my interest in the discipline. Being from the Middle East, one of the most turbulent parts of the world, fueled my concerns and interest in this region and its interactions with the rest of the world, particularly the great powers and West Asia.
What is your favourite subject to teach and why?
My favourite subject is security in its broader sense, which includes not only military issues but also economic, political, social, and environmental aspects. I enjoy teaching any module that covers these topics or discusses states’ foreign and security policies.
What can students expect from their first few weeks on your course?
The first week is largely a warm-up. Students are introduced to the structure of the course, the main topics and contents, how it is taught and assessed, what is expected of them, how they can make good progress, and who can offer them support if they are struggling.
From the second week, students are gradually immersed in the content. Each week, I introduce a new topic or important concept in my lecture and use it to explain a case or development. The lecture is followed by a seminar a few days later. Seminars are largely student-led, with my role being to moderate students’ discussion of the topic, for which they have used ‘learning resources’ to prepare.
I try to use diverse teaching methods, including, but not limited to, small and large group discussions, role plays, and debates. Students have always found the courses engaging, interesting, and informative.
What do you think makes your department unique?
I think what makes the School of Government and International Affairs a unique place to study and work is the balanced combination of cutting-edge research, high-quality teaching, and a well-developed student support system. Our increasingly enhanced ‘student experience’ rating is a testament to that.
I often feel both honoured and humbled that 25% of my academic colleagues are renowned professors in their field who communicate their latest findings through research-led teaching. This makes their courses so interesting that I often find myself tempted to pursue another degree to be taught by them.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of studying your course?
My advice would be that our programmes are based on student-led learning. To make the best use of the teaching, guidance, and support we provide, students need to manage their own progress by using the various learning resources on offer to prepare for and contribute to the discussions.
From my experience, the better prepared students are for seminars, the more in-depth the discussions will be, leading to better outcomes for the course and their assessments.
However, to gain a competitive advantage in the job market, make sure you are well-informed about significant world events and developments within your area of expertise.
What have your students gone on to do after graduating from Durham?
Many of our students have gone on to work in UK civil services or their equivalents in other countries. Some have joined the army, Ministry of Defence, or Home Office (or their equivalents in their home countries). Others have joined think tanks, high-ranking positions in charity organisations, or become media correspondents.
It is always a joy to see our graduates contributing to making the world a better place.
