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Center for Middle East Studies

Our Mission

The Center for Middle East Studies at the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs at the University of Denver is a leading academic institution dedicated to advancing the study and understanding of the societies, political systems, cultures, and international relations of the Middle East and North Africa. With a distinctive focus on the intersection of human rights and geopolitics, the Center brings together scholars, students, practitioners, policymakers, and engaged publics to grapple with one of the world's most consequential and complex regions.

Under the direction of Professor Micheline Ishay, the Center convenes conferences, public lectures, community learning events, and student exchange programs, and supports a vibrant student-led community of inquiry. It serves scholars and public interests across Denver and throughout the Rocky Mountain region and maintains an active engagement in national and international policy conversations.

At a moment when the Middle East stands at a historic crossroads — shaped by conflict and transformation, emerging economic corridors, evolving security threats, and enduring struggles for dignity and rights — the Center for Middle East Studies is committed to being a space for rigorous, well-informed inquiry and open dialogue.

"The Middle East and North Africa is not a monolith, but a mosaic of diverse cultures, histories, and conflicting perspectives. To understand it and promote universal human rights, we must embrace its complexity and seek knowledge beyond simplistic narratives.”

- Micheline Ishay, Director, Center for Middle East Studies

Previous Events: 2024-2025

Realign for Palestine: In Conversation with Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib

May 6. 2025

The Korbel School hosts a conversation with Gazan Analyst and Peacemaker, Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib. Alkhatib is also a resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council.
The Middle East at a Crossroads: What Comes Next?

Feb. 28, 2025

The Center for Middle East Studies presents an important conversation around the Middle East, including power shifts in the region, the Gaza war, ongoing crises created, and opportunities for the future.

Panelists:
Ambassador (Ret.) and Korbel Distinguished fellow, Gary Grappo
Dr. Lawrence Garber, University of Denver Adjunct Professor and Former USAID Senior Official
Dr. Micheline Ishay, Korbel Professor and Director of the Center for Middle East Studies
Dr. Ahmed Abdrabou, Korbel Associate Professor and Associate Director of the Center for Middle East Studies
October 7 and Beyond: A Path to Peace?

Oct. 16, 2024

The Center for Middle East Studies hosts a compelling conversation between Palestinian and Israeli peace activists, Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon. Blessed by Pope Francis for their courageous efforts amid conflict, they discuss the challenges and possibilities for peace in the wake of recent events.
The Middle East in Review: One Year After October 7

Sept. 24, 2024

Oct.The Center for Middle East Studies at the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs held an expert panel that examined the Israel/Palestine conflict and broader regional tensions since October 7.

Panelists:
Dr. Ahmed Abdrabou, Teaching Associate Professor of International Studies
Gary Grappo, U.S. Ambassador (former) Distinguished Fellow
Dr. Micheline Ishay, Professor of International Studies
Dr. Aaron Pilkington, US Air Force Analyst on Iran.

Past Events

Explore recorded talks, panels, and scholarly discussions hosted by the Center for Middle East Studies, featuring faculty research, visiting scholars, and more.

Watch Now

2026  

  • Panelist, “War in Iran,” Josef Korbel School, March 4. [no video] 
  • Moderator/Discussant, “Iran, Lebanon, and Beyond: Between Collapse and Renewal,” Josef Korbel School, February 17 
  • “India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC): The Missing Levantine Piece,” at a High Level Meeting: “IMEC: An Innovative Pathway to Peace in MENA?”Geneva, Switzerland, January 12. [no video] 

2025  

  • “Understanding Historical Forces Driving the Expansion of Human Rights,” Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, NM, December 15-17. [no video] 
  • Moderator/Discussant, Vali Nasr’s “Iran’s Grand Strategy,” Josef Korbel School, October 28. 
  • Moderator/Discussant, Kenneth Roth’s “Righting Wrongs, Three Decades on the Front Lines,” Josef Korbel School, October 15. 
  • Moderator/Discussant, “‘Realign Palestine’: In conversation with Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib,” Josef Korbel School, May 6. 
  • “U.S. Foreign Policy and the Middle East,” Highlands Ranch Library, Great Decisions lecture, April 7. 
  • Panelist, “The Middle East at a Crossroads: What Comes Next?”, Josef Korbel School, February 26. 

2024  

  • Moderator? Discussant, “October 7 and Beyond: A Path to Peace?”, Josef Korbel School, October 16. 
  • Moderator and Panelist, “The Middle East in Review: One Year After October 7,” Josef Korbel School, September 24. 
  • Panelist, “US Elections and the Middle East,” Josef Korbel School, May 7. 
  • Moderator/Discussant, “America’s Changing Role in the Middle East,” Josef Korbel School, April 10. 
  • Moderator/Discussant, “Occupation, War in Gaza, Prospects for Peace: A Conversation with Dr. David Kretzmer,” Josef Korbel School, February 28. 
  • Moderator/Discussant, “Sexual Violence on October 7: A Battle for the Truth: A Conversation with Ruth Halperin-Kaddari,” Josef Korbel School, February 14. 
  • “A Conversation on the Middle East,” World Denver Speaker Series. Buell Public Media Center, Denver, CO, February 1. 
  • Moderator/Discussant, “Israel/Hamas War: One Hundred Days Later,” Josef Korbel School, January 17. 

2023  

  • “A Conversation about Gaza and Israel,” Council of Foreign Affairs. Denver Country Club, November 8. 
  • “Surviving the Storm: Unmasking the Reality of Libya and Morocco,” Panel Discussion. Josef Korbel School, University of Denver, October 30. 
  • Moderator, “Women’s Rights in Afghanistan: A Conversation with Farid Naheed,” Democratic Summit Conference, Josef Korbel School, October 26. 
  • “Community + Values Special Edition Community Talk: Israel & Gaza,” Virtual Panel Discussion. University of Denver, October 19. [not sure it is on the internet] 
  • Moderator/Panelist: “Israel: From Internal Crisis to War.” Panel Discussion. Josef Korbel School, University of Denver, October 18. 

Core Faculty

Micheline Ishay

Professor
Director, Center for Middle East Studies
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Ahmed Mohamed Abdrabou

Teaching Associate Professor
Associate Director, Center for Middle East Studies
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Tamra Pearson d'Estrée

Professor
Degree Director, Global Environmental Sustainability
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David Goldfischer

Associate Professor
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Faculty Fellows

Ambassador (Ret.) Gary Grappo

Distinguished Fellow, University of Denver
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Dr. Aaron Pilkington

Senior Air Force Analyst specializing in Middle East politics and security
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Adam Rovner

Professor of English and Jewish Literature and serves as Director of the Center for Judaic Studies, University of Denver
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Dr. Jonathan Sciarcon

Associate Professor of History and Judaic Studies; Chair, History, University of Denver
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AmirReza (Reza) Mehraeen

PhD Candidate in International Studies and Comparative Politics, University of Denver
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