SHIVAN FAZIL
Shivan Fazil is a PhD Candidate in Political Science at Boston University, specializing in comparative politics and international relations with a focus on the Middle East. His research focuses on governance, state–society relations, and peace and conflict studies, with emphasis on the politics of power-sharing and the role of external actors.
He is the co-editor of Youth Identity, Politics and Change in Contemporary Kurdistan Region of Iraq. He has received numerous fellowships, grants, and scholarships for research and pursuing graduate studies and leadership development. His work has appeared in Studies in Ethnicity and Nationalism, International Peacekeeping, International Journal of Conflict and Violence, and Oxford Monitor of Forced Migration.
His public-facing work has appeared in the Middle East Institute, Atlantic Council, SIPRI, Arab Reform Initiative, LSE Middle East Center, New Security Beat, Amwaj media, and New Arab.
Research
My research focuses on governance, state-society relations, and conflict resolution, with particular attention to power-sharing and the role of external actors in building durable peace settlements. Drawing on surveys, fieldwork, and community dialogues in conflict-affected areas, I examine the links between inclusive governance, trust in institutions, and social cohesion, and I translate these findings into recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
Publications
My peer-reviewed articles have appeared in Studies in Ethnicity and Nationalism, International Peacekeeping, International Journal of Conflict and Violence, and Oxford Monitor of Forced Migration. My public-facing work strives to bridge academia and policy, with commentary and reports published by outlets including SIPRI, the Atlantic Council, the Middle East Institute.
Teaching and Service
My teaching at Boston University began as teaching assistant for Introduction to International Relations (Fall 2025 and Spring 2026) and History of International Relations (Fall 2026), in the Department of Political Science and the Pardee School of Global Studies. In Summer 2026, I served as instructor of record for an intensive International Politics course. Next summer, I aim to serve a Senior Teaching Fellow and teach a course of my own design.
I am committed to building the graduate student and academic community. I have been serving as Student Representative for Graduate Student Organization (AY 2025-2026) and Student Organizer of Graduate Student Speaker Series and Topics in Political Science (AY 2025-2026).