Ahmad Jawad Rifai
Ahmad Rifai works and conducts research at Leiden University. Ahmad decided to study sociology and political science to understand how the conflict in Syria came about. His research mainly focused on political violence against civilians by the Assad regime since 1970. Ahmad's two-year research project was completed with a master's thesis, based on primary sources and interviews with experts.
Ahmad has a keen interest in investigative journalism and has written articles for student magazines and Dutch newspapers, including De Volkskrant and The Parool.
Ahmad is fluent in English, a native speaker of Arabic and has a good command of Dutch. He served on the Faculty Council of Maastricht University. He also supervised students in setting up their research projects. He occasionally gives lectures and seminars on topics related to Middle Eastern politics and academic research. He currently works at the University Library of Leiden University.
Would you like to get in touch with Ahmad? If so, please email redactie@rfgmedia.nl.
Work experience
Assistant at Leiden University Library
Arabic translator for Party of Animals
Ethnographic researcher
Research project: migrant workers in The Hague.
Academic writing tutor
Leiden University
Junior board member NISIS
Vice-president Faculty Council Maastricht University
Member Student Council of Maastricht University
Translator Arab-Eng COA (voluntary)
Training
Research assistant
The Intellectual Idea of an “Islamic State”
Research master's degree in Middle Eastern Studies, Sociology and Political Science
Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences
Specialism
Research & Writing Skills
Advanced knowledge of academic research methodologies as well as proficiency in both creative and academic writing.
Linguistic Skills
My mother tongue is Arabic. I speak English fluently, and I command an advanced level of Dutch. I have a knack for learning new languages, and I command a basic understanding of several languages.
Sociology of State Violence
In-depth understanding of the history of state violence in different parts of the world, primarily Europe and the Middle East.
Team Work
A skill based on years of professional experience in coordinating between different groups and individuals working to meet a common objective.
Stories
Podcast - Increasingly a prison
Increasingly a prison
