Professor Samina Yasmeen

Professor Samina Yasmeen heads the Department of International Relations, Asian Studies and Politics in UWA's School of Social Sciences. She is a teacher and researcher, and director and founder of the university’s Centre for Muslim States and Societies. She focuses on understanding perceptions of and by Muslims and Islam around the world, and seeks to make an impact on Australian and global politics.

Born in Pakistan, Professor Yasmeen commenced her studies in international relations with a specialisation on China and Pakistan relations. She developed an interest in Islam and Muslims, researching the end of the Cold War and the growing threat of radicalisation among Muslims.

Professor Yasmeen now extends her research on Muslim identities to jihadi narratives to assess the impact of jihadi literature on children, the relationship between women and jihad, the deradicalisation policies adopted by selected countries. She also specialises in Pakistan’s domestic and foreign policy.

A key goal for Professor Yasmeen’s research is to make a positive contribution to reduce ambiguities, build mutual respect, find pathways for building social cohesion, and actively participate in making the world a safer place for all. She has previously received funding for her work from the Worldwide Universities Network and the International Mining for Development Centre. She is a frequent contributor to media on areas of her specialisation.