Prior to being appointed at UMT in October 2014 I was a visiting lecturer at the Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, University of the Punjab for two academic years (2010-12). I have completed my doctoral research training from the UK by studying for MSc Social Science Research Methods at Middlesex University, London (2012-13). My thesis (https://mdx.academia.edu/SohaibAli) offered a critical evaluation of government intervention strategies for preventing violent extremism – along with a high first-class Distinction Grade, it was awarded the Dissertation Prize (2013) by Middlesex University, London. I have presented my research before security sector practitioners and policy makers at the international course on 'Understanding Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism' organized by School of Governance and Society, UMT in January 2015; and have also given research methods training to UMT faculty through Center for Teaching and Learning, UMT.
My teaching spans the allied fields of International Relations, Political Science and Social Science Methodology; whereas my research investigates issues at the intersection of religion, radicalization, and inter/intra-state conflicts. My current research is focused on the conceptual, methodological and substantive issues involved in constructing and countering narratives for mitigating violent extremism. While studying these issues, I have developed an abiding interest in the following disciplinary sub-fields:
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Critical Security Studies
- Security Governance
- Islamic Theopolitics
- Global Ethics