Motasem Abuzaid is a DPhil student in Politics focusing on the intersection of urbanization, political violence, and revolutionary mobilization. Motasem also serves as a departmental Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) for multiple papers and courses, including, International Security and Conflict, Politics of the Middle East, Qualitative Methods, and Quantitative Methods (at AMES).
Here, he reflects on his academic experiences, the role DPIR plays in this journey so far, and advice to future students…
Motasem, what inspired you to pursue your DPhil at DPIR?
My academic background is rooted in Sociology and Arab Studies, having completed my previous training at Marmara University and Georgetown University. Initially, my research focused on themes within these disciplines, but as I delved deeper into the intersection of political economy and political violence in the Middle East, I increasingly engaged with Political Science literature.
This shift led me to seek an academic environment that would allow for a structured transition into Political Science while still preserving a strong foundation in regional sociology and comparative approaches. DPIR at Oxford provided precisely that space. The department’s interdisciplinary ethos, in addition to the faculty and research networks played a key role in my decision. Working under the supervision of Dr. Stathis Kalyvas, an authority on political violence, provided the intellectual guidance needed to bridge my sociological background with Political Science. Beyond that, the vibrant academic community at Oxford, particularly those working on political violence, revolutions, and Middle Eastern politics, offered a stimulating environment for expanding my research.
Can you share with us some of the most meaningful experiences of studying at DPIR?
What stands out most about being at DPIR and Oxford is the ability to engage directly with most scholars whose work has shaped my research. At many institutions, these figures remain distant—people whose books and papers you read in a seminar. At Oxford, there’s an actual chance you’ll interact with them directly over coffee chats, receptions, or dinners, turning abstract academic influences into real conversations and intellectual exchanges. Some of the best insights I’ve gained were from off-the-record discussions at Branca Café in Jericho. In those moments, the hierarchical distance between student and scholar fades, making space for collaborative exploration of ideas. DPIR in this sense is not confined to Manor Road Building, but extends into intellectual venues at other colleges such as Nuffield, St Antony’s, All Souls, among others.
While social science provides valuable tools for understanding political violence and mobilization, it is not enough to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and unfolding political realities. As a researcher, I’ve come to realize that it’s not just about producing knowledge but about being aware of the limitations of that knowledge and actively working to translate it into something meaningful and applicable.
This awareness has been shaped by my own background—being a Palestinian who grew up in Syria and across the region, where political turmoil is not an abstract concept but a lived reality. At Oxford, I’ve encountered a wide range of perspectives, some of which challenge dominant narratives in political science. These experiences have forced me to ask:
- How do we make research more relevant to the communities affected by the phenomena we study?
- How do we navigate the tension between scholarly practice and the urgency of real-world crises?
Oxford has provided an intellectual space to grapple with these questions, but it has also reinforced the idea that bridging the gap between theory and reality is an active choice that researchers must make.
How has your experience at DPIR shaped your academic and professional journey so far?
Several aspects of my time at DPIR have significantly contributed to my development as a scholar. One of the most formative elements has been the opportunity to engage directly with established academics in the field. These interactions often take place outside of formal settings—at seminars, receptions, or simply over coffee—and they’ve allowed me to have candid, thought-provoking conversations about research framing and the broader state of the discipline. These informal moments have been instrumental in helping me position my work within ongoing academic debates.
DPIR has also played a crucial role in shaping my research trajectory. While the intellectual roots of my work were not formed exclusively at Oxford, the department has provided an environment that helped me refine my identity as an emerging scholar. It gave me a strong sense of which theoretical conversations my work should contribute to, and how it might speak to pressing real-world challenges.
One particularly impactful experience was my involvement in coordinating the T.E. Lawrence Speaker Series on Political Violence at All Souls College. Despite my reservations about the colonial legacy of Lawrence of Arabia, the series was incredibly enriching. Each week, it offered exposure to works-in-progress by both junior and senior scholars. These sessions were invaluable for engaging in extended discussions around methodology, theory, and academic careers—and they had a direct influence on how I think about comparative political violence and urban insurgencies.
Another key aspect of my development has been teaching as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Leading undergraduate tutorials and postgraduate lab sessions has helped me sharpen my ability to explain complex ideas, organize arguments clearly, and view research through multiple lenses. Undergraduate tutorials challenged me to connect different theoretical traditions, while postgraduate sessions—especially those focused on Qualitative and Quantitative Methods—offered insight into how students grapple with methodology. This, in turn, made me more thoughtful about how I apply methods in my own research.
What are some key lessons from your time at Oxford and DPIR?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned at DPIR is that we don’t know what we don’t know. Early on, it’s easy to get caught up in niche research puzzles, but I’ve realized there’s always an audience for our work—if framed the right way. Moving beyond micro-level debates and positioning research within broader social and political transformations is what makes it truly impactful.
For me, this shift came when I began viewing the aftermath of revolutions not just as theoretical problems, but as pressing reality. Good research sparks critical conversations, and DPIR provides a space where informed knowledge is constantly produced. With that comes a responsibility—our work isn’t just about solving immediate puzzles but shaping future debates and contributing meaningfully to intellectual or policy discussions. This awareness has reshaped how I think about scholarly networks and their long-term role.
Another key realization is that scholarly networks are invaluable, yet often taken for granted. DPIR, and Oxford more broadly, bring together a rare mix of interdisciplinary scholars working on political violence. As I move toward the later stages of my DPhil, I recognize how hard it will be to find a similar environment elsewhere. That’s why I’m already thinking about how to sustain these connections, ensuring that the conversations, collaborations, and mentorship networks I’ve built remain active beyond Oxford.
What are your plans for the next phase of your DPhil and beyond?
I am currently preparing to enter the academic job market by the end of this academic year, with the goal of applying for postdoctoral positions. Alongside completing my DPhil dissertation, I am working on a broader research agenda on revolutions and civil wars, which I believe would benefit from further development and an extended comparative analysis.
The professional development workshops at DPIR have been valuable in preparing for the next stage. After several years working in the development sector, I find considerable value in my current academic work and hope to continue in research and teaching. Beyond academia, I see my research as having direct implications for political transitions in Syria, particularly in a post-Assad context, as well as for broader political transformations in the Global South.
What advice would you offer to prospective DPIR students who are considering a DPhil?
Pursuing a DPhil at DPIR offers a rich academic experience, but it also comes with a unique set of challenges. One of the most important things to keep in mind is the need for strategic planning early on. The UK’s three- to four-year PhD structure is more condensed than many of its international counterparts, so it’s crucial to manage your time well. Begin thinking about your broader research agenda from the outset, especially if you envision a future in academia.
Another piece of advice is to engage with feedback as early as possible. Presenting initial drafts at seminars, workshops, or conferences—even when the work feels rough—can be incredibly beneficial. These early exchanges often provide valuable insight that can save you time and help you refine your arguments more effectively than working in isolation.
It’s also important to minimize distractions and, where possible, plan your funding carefully. Quality research demands focus, and having the mental space to think deeply is essential. I was fortunate to receive a DPIR Studentship, but when I needed to extend into a fourth year, additional funding became necessary—a situation that’s increasingly common among DPhil students. Planning ahead for such scenarios can make the journey smoother.
Finally, remember that DPIR is just one part of Oxford’s vast academic landscape. The university is decentralized, and it takes time to navigate all the intellectual spaces available. Make an effort to explore the different departments, seminars, and societies to discover where you feel most at home. Over time, it’s perfectly okay to become more selective and recognize that you can’t attend everything—focus on what truly enriches your work and sense of academic community.