Welcoming Two New Senior Non-Resident Fellows
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2026
GULF INTERNATIONAL FORUM WELCOMES NEW SENIOR NON-RESIDENT FELLOWS
Washington, DC: The Gulf International Forum, headquartered in Washington, DC, is proud to announce the addition of two distinguished scholars to its Fellowship Program. The newest members, Dr. Robert Geist Pinfold and Dr. Muhanad Seloom, bring extensive expertise in defense and security and Middle East geopolitics. Their diverse insights and unique professional experiences will significantly enrich the Forum’s scholarship and discussions.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Robert Geist Pinfold and Dr. Muhanad Seloom to our fellowship,” said Gulf International Forum Executive Director Dr. Dania Thafer. “Dr. Geist Pinfold and Dr. Seloom have demonstrated exceptional leadership in their fields, and we are excited about the perspectives they will bring to our mission of fostering understanding and dialogue about the Gulf region.”
The Non-Resident Fellowship Program, established in 2018, seeks to expand the conversation on the politics, economics, and societal dynamics of the Gulf region. Fellows collaborate with the Forum on research and publications and contribute to its events and initiatives.
The New Fellows:
Dr. Robert Geist Pinfold: Dr. Geist Pinfold is a Lecturer in Defence Studies (International Security) at King’s College London, a Research Fellow at the Peace Research Center Prague, based at Charles University in Prague, and an Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). He publishes regularly in Foreign Policy and War on the Rocks and has provided regular commentary for the BBC, France 24, RTE News, Al Jazeera, and many others. His work focuses on Israeli foreign and security policy, The GCC, Contemporary Syria, Iranian foreign and security policy, Grand strategy, Military occupation and exit dilemmas, and Territorial disputes.
Click here to learn more about Dr. Geist Pinfold.
Dr. Muhanad Seloom: Dr. Seloom is an Assistant Professor of International Politics and Security at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, and an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Exeter. Previously, he advised the U.S. Department of State, the UK Ministry of Defence, and Qatar’s National Cyber Security Agency, among other governmental bodies. His research examines how states authorize power through intelligence institutions and emerging technologies, with particular attention to the Gulf, Iraq, and the wider Middle East.
Click here to learn more about Dr. Seloom.
About Gulf International Forum
About Gulf International Forum
Gulf International Forum is an independent Washington-based institute that aspires to enhance peace, progress, security, and stability in the Gulf and greater Middle East region through the open proliferation of ideas.
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