Elias Ghazal
PhD studentResearch Overview
I am interested in the intersection of religion and politics in the Middle East. In particular, I am intersted in exploring the politcization of religious identity. Some of the questions that I try to answer are: How is religious identity instrumentalized and to what effect? Why do some religio-political project successed while others fail? How can religous ideology be used for peacemaking? What role does politics have in shaping religion?
Current Research
My current research revolves around sectarianism in Lebanon. I am investigating the agency of religious leaders vis-à-vis sectarianism. How does the religious establishment, and in particular the clergy, propagate/limit the spread and devastating impact of sectarianism? In my research, I concentrate on Shiite clergy in Lebanon as they exemplify one of the most active and organized sectarian group in the country.
Sectarianism, Proxies and De-Sectarianisation Across the Middle East
Participation in workshop, seminar, course
PPR Postgraduate Work-in-Progress Seminars
Participation in workshop, seminar, course
Politics and International Relations in the Contemporary World
Other
Political Challenges Facing the Church in the Middle East
Invited talk
Peel Studentship Trust
Prize (including medals and awards)
ScholarLeaders Scholarship
Prize (including medals and awards)