Definition
Richard H. Dekmejian is a Lebanese‑American political scientist, author, and professor emeritus known for his research on Middle Eastern politics, international security, and political violence.
Overview
Dekmejian earned his Ph.D. in political science from the University of Southern California. He taught at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in Los Angeles for several decades, where he directed the Center for Middle Eastern Studies and served as chair of the Department of Political Science. His scholarship focuses on state formation, sectarian conflict, and the dynamics of political Islam in the Middle East. Notable works include The Kurdish Question in Iraq (1990), Islamic Fundamentalism: The Political, Social, and Cultural Dimensions (1990), and The Political Economy of the Arab Uprisings (2014). He has contributed chapters to edited volumes, written scholarly articles in peer‑reviewed journals, and provided expert commentary for media outlets on Middle Eastern affairs.
Etymology/Origin
The surname “Dekmejian” is of Armenian origin, derived from the Turkish‑Armenian patronymic pattern where the suffix “‑ian” denotes “son of” or “descendant of.” The root “Dekmej” may relate to a personal name or occupational term in the Armenian language. The given name “Richard” is of Germanic origin, meaning “ruler of a domain” (from ric “ruler” + hard “brave, hardy”).
Characteristics
- Academic focus: Middle Eastern geopolitics, sectarianism, political violence, and security studies.
- Methodology: Combines historical analysis, comparative politics, and security studies; frequently employs case studies of specific states or movements.
- Public engagement: Provides expert testimony before U.S. congressional committees, appears in broadcast media, and participates in policy‑oriented think‑tank conferences.
- Language proficiency: Fluent in English and Arabic; possesses working knowledge of Armenian and Turkish, facilitating primary‑source research.
Related Topics
- Middle Eastern politics
- Political Islam and Islamic fundamentalism
- Sectarian conflict in the Levant
- Kurdish nationalism
- International security and terrorism studies
- Comparative political economy of the Arab world
This entry summarizes publicly available biographical and scholarly information about Richard H. Dekmejian.