Farzad Cyrus Sharifi

Geopolitics, Territory & Security 
King's College
London, Strand
WC2 2RLS
 
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7848 1668
 
Mobile: ++44 (0) 781 651 5070
 
Email: farzad.sharifi-yazdi@kcl.ac.uk

The research sets out to examine and explain the dynamics of a deep-seated Arab-Iranian rivalry in the Persian Gulf region and its possible affects on the conduct of the Shatt al Arab and Abu Musa/Tunbs disputes. The working hypothesis argues that between 1958 and 1975 both disputes began to serve as tangible expressions and symbols of a hegemonic and nationalistic Arab-Iranian rivalry in the region and that their patterns of conduct often reflected other issues in bilateral relations. The possibility is also considered that the disputes have been utilised to bolster regime legitimacy, usually in the classic strategy of creating foreign adventures to distract from domestic issues.
 
The research is largely archival-involving the review of primary documentation (diplomatic/governmental records) held in the UK, United States and Iran. This will be augmented by interviews with political figures and experts that have been involved in and informed on the disputes and regional affairs.
 
 
Supervisors:
1st Supervisor: Richard Schofield
2nd Supervisor: George Joffe

Cyrus was born in Tehran, Iran in 1980 and moved to the UK in 1985. Before starting his PhD, Cyrus gained a BA in Human Geography from Queen Mary, University of London (1998-2001) and an MA in Geopolitics, Territory & Security from King's College London (2001-2002).
 
Cyrus is also a keen percussionist (drums and bongos) and has played and recorded with a variety of solo artists, bands and dj’s at venues across London.

F.C.Sharifi-Yazdi, 'The Evolution of Iran's Western Boundaries' in P.Mojtahed-Zadeh (ed.), Boundary Politics & International Boundaries of Iran (New York: Universal Publishers, 2007)