Abdullah Khurram is a doctoral researcher in the Department of International Relations at the Australian National University. He is interested in studying the evolution of powerhood in international relations. Specifically, his research focuses on the strategic cultures and diplomatic styles of rising middle powers, especially in the Indo-Pacific.

Khurram is also a Research Fellow at PoliTact and a Strategic Advisor at Gulf State Analytics. Previously, he has also served as a Research Associate at the Middle East Institute in Washington DC, USA, and at the Economic Policy Research Institute in Cape Town, South Africa. In addition to that, Khurram has also served on the board of advisors for Duke University and University of North Carolina Chapel Hill’s jointly organised U.S.-China Leadership Summit.

In think-tanks’ research and consulting roles, he gained immense experience in dealing and communicating with policymakers, diplomats, business groups, NGOs and other relevant stakeholders. His professional and academic background has equipped him with a keen understanding of international affairs and public policy processes, as well as an interest in writing.

Amongst other places, he has guest lectured at Columbia University, Duke University, Bangladesh Foreign Service Academy, Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies in Slovenia, and at the National Defence University (NDU) of Pakistan. For his contributions, Khurram was chosen as the recipient of 2009 National Award in the field of education.

Khurram holds a master’s degree in global security studies from Johns Hopkins University, a master’s degree in international relations from The University of Chicago, and a bachelor’s degree in economics & government and international politics from George Mason University.