Georgetown’s CIRS Publishes First 40 Books, a Milestone of Knowledge Production at QF

Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) is celebrating the first 40 books published by its premiere in-house research institute, the Center for International and Regional Studies (CIRS), featuring the research of scholars and experts at GU-Q, partner institutions across Qatar Foundation, and around the world. 

Since its founding in 2007, CIRS has produced books as part of a wide range of research output, including special issues of top-tier journals, peer-reviewed academic papers, as well as English and Arabic language summary reports. To date, CIRS has conducted 46 research projects and has worked with more than 2,000 regional and international scholars. 

In addition, it provides publishing opportunities for GU-Q students who are invited to submit their individual research papers to a competitive student paper series. 

The outgoing Director of CIRS, Dr. Mehran Kamrava said: “In only 13 years, CIRS has made significant contributions to the global body of knowledge on issues relevant to the Gulf region and beyond. This milestone is not only a reflection of the hard work of our committed faculty, staff, and global partners, but a testament to Qatar’s investments in knowledge production and dedication to supporting the growth of a knowledge hub in the Middle East region.”

The dean of GU-Q, Dr. Ahmad Dallal, said: “Through our premiere research institute, we strive to support work that has a substantive impact on our understanding of the region while expanding the international research profile of our partner Qatar Foundation, through collaboration with global experts, scholars, and decision makers. This milestone and CIRS' wide ranging research projects and publications continue to demonstrate the critical role of knowledge creation in the social sciences and humanities, for addressing the challenges faced by humanity.”

The Center plans to continue its rigorous research efforts, and has recently published its 41st book, Dr. Kamrava’s edited work Routledge Handbook of Persian Gulf Politics, a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of the region’s politics, history, economics, and society. The book comprises a total of 36 individual chapters written by GU-Q faculty and staff and international Gulf experts. 

Professor of History at GU-Q, Dr. Amira Sonbol, contributed a chapter titled “Evolving Family Patterns in the Arabian Peninsula”, a focus of research that is increasingly important, she explains, because “we are seeing serious disruptions and transformations threatening the family not only in the Gulf but in most of the Islamic world.”

Book contributor and CIRS Assistant Director for Publications  Suzi Mirgani, wrote on the connection between the region’s energy resources and investments in art production. “I examine how the development of the Gulf ’s hydrocarbon resources is expressed through its art and culture endeavors—oil for art’s sake, so to speak. The wealth accrued from the Gulf states’ hydrocarbon industries has been used strategically by ruling families to promote all the hallmarks of the modern state, with a specific attention to the art and cultural sector.”

CIRS Associate Director for Research Zahra Babar, also contributed a chapter examining the evolution of labor migration to the Gulf. Three factors are essential for understanding this region as a zone of international labor migration, she says. “The persistence of hydro-carbons fueling its political economy; local systems of regulating migration, namely the kafala; and the presence of well-developed migration networks connecting the Gulf with other parts of the Middle East and South Asia.”
All CIRS publications incorporate a variety of disciplinary perspectives in order to appeal to the scholarly community and have an impact on local communities and policymakers. More information on the Routledge Handbook and the full list of the first 40 publications is available on the CIRS website.