Reza Khanzadeh
Reza Khanzadeh
Islam, Politics, Global Affairs, Foreign Relations, Middle Eastern Studies, Social Movements, Modern Iran History
Dr. Khanzadeh joined George Mason's faculty in 2025 after thirteen years in civil society, human rights, and international business. A few notable achievements from his many accomplishments include:
- Contributed towards efforts in successfully releasing political prisoners from Iran in 2013.
- Provided research and analysis during the 2015 Iran nuclear negotiations.
- Advised international companies on conducting business with their Iranian counterparts after the 2016 implementation of the Iran nuclear deal or JCPOA.
- Guided and assisted over 2,000 individuals affected by the 2017 Muslim travel ban.
As a Middle East expert, Dr. Khanzadeh has been sought after for consulting, research, publications, and translations. He is also a regular contributor to international news networks on related current events pertaining to the wider Middle East and US foreign policy.
Dr. Khanzadeh's forthcoming book, Generation Denied: The Broken Promise of Education in Iran, is due to be released on November 10, 2026 through University of Texas Press.
Selected Publications
BOOK
Khanzadeh, R. (2026). Generation Denied: The Broken Promise of Education in Iran. University Texas Press.
HUMAN RIGHTS REPORTS
Human Rights Council. (2013). Report of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran. https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Countries/IR/A-HRC-22-56_en.pdf
Center for Human Rights in Iran. (2013). The Cost of Faith: Persecution of Christian Protestants and Converts in Iran. https://www.iranhumanrights.org/wp-content/uploads/Christians_report_Final_for-web.pdf
ARTICLES (editor-reviewed)
Khanzadeh, R., Maleki, A., & Yazdi, N. (2021). An Untold Story about Fighting COVID-19 Pandemic in Iran. Mehr News Agency. https://en.mehrnews.com/news/173642/An-untold-story-about-fighting-COVID-19-pandemic-in-Iran
Khanzadeh, R., Maleki, A., & Yazdi, N. (2021). Rebuilding from the Bottom Up. Mehr News Agency. https://en.mehrnews.com/news/170646/Rebuilding-from-the-bottom-up
Khanzadeh, R. (2013). Job Market Woes. Southasia. https://www.southasia.com.pk/Backup/Images/archives/2013/sa-oct13.pdf
Khanzadeh, R. (2013). A Future Uncertain. Southasia. https://southasia.com.pk/Backup/Images/archives/2013/sa-feb2013.pdf
Khanzadeh, R. (2012). Neutralizing a Threat. Southasia. https://southasia.com.pk/Backup/Images/archives/2012/sa-december-2012.pdf
Khanzadeh, R. (2012). Ulterior Motives. Southasia. https://www.southasia.com.pk/Backup/Images/archives/2012/sa-april-2012.pdf
Khanzadeh, R. (2011). Colors of Turmoil. Southasia. https://www.southasia.com.pk/Backup/Images/archives/2011/sa-nov-2011.pdf
Courses Taught
- GLOA 101: Introduction to Global Affairs (Fall 2025, CHSS)
- GOVT 733: Islam and Politics (Spring 2026, Schar)
Education
Ph.D. Education, University of Oxford, 2022, Dir. Maia Chankseliani
M.A. International Relations, New York University, 2012
M.A. Islamic Studies, University of Virginia, 2010
B.A. Religious Studies, West Virginia University, 2005