Afsaneh Seifinaji (she/her) is a Research Fellow at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation (ADI) at Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia, and a PhD candidate in Politics and International Relations at the University of Melbourne. Afsaneh’s research interests encompass public policy, extremism studies, conflict transformation, youth capacity building, women empowerment, and governance. Her PhD thesis explores the disillusionment trajectories of former ISIS foreign fighters in the Middle East through narrative analysis, contributing to the fields of deradicalisation and counter-terrorism strategies. She has published several papers in her field and has presented her work at various international conferences.

With over 15 years of experience in journalism and humanitarian activities, Afsaneh has worked with various newspapers and news agencies covering politics, international relations, and economic subjects. Her professional journey includes roles as a facilitator, teacher, and consultant, and her commitment to youth and women’s empowerment is evident in her extensive work experience. She has coordinated peace initiatives, trained hundreds of individuals in peacebuilding, and has been recognised as an Asian Young Leader for Democracy after her fellowship at the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy.

In addition to her research and teaching, Afsaneh has held the position of Humanitarian Specialist at the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs from 2018 to 2020 and at the World Peace Initiative Foundation prior to that. Her dedication to fostering peace and security through research, education, and activism makes her a distinguished figure in her field.