MEHRAN HAGHIRIAN
Dr. Mehran Haghirian is the Director of Research and Programmes at the Bourse & Bazaar Foundation. His work centers on conflict resolution and diplomacy, with a particular focus on the Persian Gulf region. Haghirian holds a PhD in Gulf Studies from Qatar University and a master’s degree in International Affairs from American University’s School of International Service in Washington, DC. He currently leads the Integrated Futures Initiative, which focuses on fostering regional dialogue, diplomacy, and economic cooperation in the Gulf. He also leads the Rihla Initiative for Green Economic Growth, which advances cooperation on climate transition and socioeconomic development between policy, commercial, and technical stakeholders across the Gulf and the Global South. In addition, he leads the Vision Iran Initiative, which focuses on diaspora dialogue, human rights, and transitional justice in Iran. Haghirian previously served as a researcher and assistant director at the Ibn Khaldon Center for Humanities and Social Sciences and as a program assistant at the Atlantic Council’s Future of Iran Initiative. His upcoming book, "Differentiating Foreign Policy Strategies in the Persian Gulf: The Decision-Making Calculus towards Iran," will be published by Springer in 2027. He was recently selected as an “Emerging Leader” by the Policy Center for the New South’s Atlantic Dialogues Programme.
EDUCATION
August 2018 – May 2024
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN GULF STUDIES
QATAR UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Doha, Qatar
Dissertation: Differentiating Foreign Policy Strategies in the Arabian Peninsula: The Decision-Making Calculus towards Iran
Most Distinguished Student, College of Arts and Sciences (Spring 2024)
GPA: 4.0/4.0
August 2015 – May 2017
MASTER OF ARTS IN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL SERVICE
Washington, DC
Thesis: Effectuating A Cooperative Future Between Iran and the Arab States of the Persian Gulf
June – July 2016
CERTIFICATE IN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS AND MULTILATERAL GOVERNANCE
GRADUATE INSTITUTE OF GENEVA
Geneva, Switzerland
August 2012 – May 2015
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE AND PEACE STUDIES
CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY, WILKINSON COLLEGE OF ARTS, HUMANITIES, AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Orange, CA
Honors: Sigma Iota Rho
January 2011 – May 2012
MAJORED IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES
Boston, MA
September 2007 – June 2010
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
INSTITUT LE ROSEY
Rolle and Gstaad, Switzerland
