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Mesrob Kassemdjian is a Teaching Fellow in the Department of Politics and International Studies. He completed his PhD at SOAS in September 2024, with a focus on Middle Eastern politics. 

Prior to his doctoral studies, Mesrob earned a First-Class BSc in International Politics from City University London in 2010, followed by an MSc in International Relations Theory (IRT) from the London School of Economics. Mesrob’s professional experience includes an internship at the International Criminal Court and subsequent research roles with think tanks specializing in the Middle East.

His doctoral research, titled Understanding the Cooperation Between Hamas and Hizbullah, examines the strategic alliance between these two sub-state actors. He argues that their cooperation is driven by a convergence of organizational self-interests and a shared vision for the region. Mesrob aims to publish his findings and contribute to the broader field of International Relations, deepening understanding of the political dynamics of these organizations at this critical juncture in the region. His current research interests include sub-state actors, political Islam, armed resistance movements, and the international politics of the Middle East, with particular emphasis on the Arab-Israeli conflict.

In addition to his research, Mesrob teaches a range of undergraduate and graduate modules, including The International Relations of the Middle East, Government and Politics of the Middle East, Palestine/Israel and the International, Introduction to International Relations, and the MSc module International Politics of the Middle East.