People Biography

Steven Wright is a Professor of International Relations at Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU), where he specializes in the international relations and political economy of the Gulf region, Asia-Gulf strategic ties, global energy geopolitics, and contemporary international affairs. He holds a Ph.D. from Durham University, where he focused on US foreign policy towards the Middle East. He has held Research Fellowships at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Durham, and Exeter Universities.

Professor Wright has authored numerous publications, with his work translated into multiple languages. He has been involved in competitive funded research projects of over $1.4 million and supervised several doctoral students. As a scholar of Gulf international relations, energy geopolitics, and Asia-Gulf ties, he has regularly presented at international forums hosted by leading organizations including the U.S Department of Defense, British Ministry of Defence, World Bank, NATO, and the Institute for Energy Economics, Japan. He has provided advisory and consultancy services to numerous governments, including the United Kingdom, United States, Japan, South Korea, and Finland, and leading multinational corporations in the energy, security, and finance sectors. He has also delivered executive education, numerous presentations, and provided advisory services to senior industry figures. His analysis has frequently appeared in the media, and he has been quoted by Bloomberg, CGTN, The Economist, Financial Times, Asahi Shimbun, Al Jazeera, Reuters, and The Wall Street Journal.

Building on his academic profile, Professor Wright combines extensive experience with a proven track record of impact in university administration spanning over 15 years. Currently serving as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, he has driven significant improvements across academic affairs, research, and student affairs through various Associate Dean positions, including a term as Acting Dean. Previously at Qatar University, he was Head of International Affairs, leading a comprehensive strategic positioning of the department, developing a new bachelor's degree, and securing $6 million for endowed Chairs. As Associate Dean for Planning and Quality Assurance, he had a leading role in a university-wide strategic restructuring, oversaw seven program accreditations, and co-founded PhD and MA programs in Gulf Studies.

Professor Wright is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) and Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society (FRAS). He has also been the recipient of a Teaching Excellence Award.