I work as a Lecturer in Postcolonial Studies at Stirling University. Within the School of Arts and Humanities, I am in Languages, Cultures and Religions (yes, it is basically a department in a faculty, but apparently we’re not really supposed to call it that any more). 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 and the implications of such crossings for interpretations of the meaning of modernity.
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, and am part of the team (and the webservant) of the Critical Religion research group. 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’)
This page has the following sub pages.
