Our Team Members

David Game 

David is the founder and Principal of David Game College (DGC) and the Chairman of the David Game Group (DGG). Prior to establishing David Game College in 1974—over 50 years ago—Mr Game spent many years as a maths tutor, successfully imparting his enthusiasm for mathematical concepts to his students. As Principal of DGC and Chairman of DGG, he prioritises the same combination of strong subject knowledge and a passion for teaching when appointing educators. David holds an MA in Mathematics from New College, Oxford, and an MPhil in Number Theory from University College London (UCL). Given that education is one of the core missions of Mosaic Foundation, his expertise and experience are invaluable.

David Cecil

David Cecil has a diverse background of working in higher education, media, music and film production. From 2008-2011 he worked at Cavendish University Kampala, where he established the International Relations and Diplomacy Department. He established Tilapia Cultural Centre (Kampala) in 2010. In 2017, he established East African Records (EAR), a recording studio and music distribution company, while from 2017-2020, David and his team co-produced their first feature film, Imperial Blue. David read Social Anthropology and Politics at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, and an MA at Goldsmiths, University of London, in Visual Anthropology. David brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Mosaic Foundation in almost all areas of Mosaic’s mission.   

Amin Saikal

Professor Emeritus Amin Saikal is a distinguished scholar of the Middle Eastern, Central and South Asian studies. As the Founding Director of the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies at the Australian National University (ANU), he has significantly contributed to global understanding of political and social dynamics in West, Central and South Asia. Professor Saikal is an Adjunct Professor of Social Sciences at the University of Western Australia and an Adjunct Senior Fellow at Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. His scholarly work is recognized internationally, highlighted by his receipt of the Order of Australia for his outstanding service to international education and as an author and adviser. His publications, including “Iran Rising: The Survival and Future of the Islamic Republic” and his most recent book is “How to Lose a War: The Story of America’s Intervention in Afghanistan,” providing critical insights into geopolitical issues of the region. Professor Saikal’s academic contributions continue to influence policymakers and scholars around the world. 

https://researchers.anu.edu.au/researchers/saikal-a

M. Nazif Shahrani

Professor M. Nazif Shahrani, an emeritus professor at Indiana University, is a renowned anthropologist with extensive field research in Afghanistan and the post-Soviet Central Asian republics and Turkiye. An anthropologist from Afghanistan and the United States, he specialises in political anthropology with a focus on state-society relations and the impact of Islam on social and political dynamics. His academic credentials include degrees from Kabul University (BA), University of Hawaii (MA) and the University of Washington (PhD). Prof Shahrani’s notable works explore the implications of nationalism, state failure, and the political economy of international assistance. His published works provide critical insights into the socio-political challenges facing Afghanistan and Central Asia, making him a valuable contributor to discussions on regional stability and development.

https://acari.indiana.edu/.

Sayed Askar Mousavi

Dr Sayed Askar Mousavi is an anthropologist who obtained his PhD from the University of Oxford, in1992; his thesis was on the Hazaras of Afghanistan. His main publication in English, also his doctoral thesis, is The Hazaras of Afghanistan: an historical, cultural, economic and political study (Curzon Press, 1998). He obtained a degree (BA in Development Studies) from the University of East Anglia, UK, in 1987. He was Senior Associate Member at the Middle East Centre, St. Antony’s College, University of Oxford, from 1998-2013. During his tenure he established the Afghanistan Studies Programme, the only academic programme dedicated to the study of Afghanistan at the time, at St. Antony’s College. Dividing his time between Oxford and Kabul, Dr Mousavi was Chief Advisor to the Ministry of Higher Education, Afghanistan, from 2003-2013. During his time in Kabul he also served as a member of the Board of Trustees, and then Professor of Social Sciences, at the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) in Kabul. He has also lectured at numerous universities in Afghanistan, including Kabul University, Kateb University, Gharjstan University, and UMEF/Dunya University. As a socio-cultural anthropologist, Dr Mousavi has written widely on contemporary issues in Afghanistan, covering tribalism and state, social conflict, history, identity, literature and poetry of the region as well as Islamic thought, Islamic history and Persian language. He has had dozens of articles published on Afghanistan in several English and Persian journals. He has made a six-part series on the folk culture of Afghanistan for the BBC World Service, Persian section.

Munazza Ebtikar

Munazza Ebtikar, currently completing her doctoral dissertation at St John’s College, University of Oxford, focuses on war and memory in Afghanistan. Her research, supported by prestigious grants, examines how members of Afghanistan’s diverse communities narrate their complex past and define their identities. Her work not only contributes to academic discourse of the country but also aids in understanding the broader socio-political implications of historical memory in shaping contemporary identities in Afghanistan. Ebtikar’s role as an international consultant further allows her to influence policy and research on a global scale, bringing nuanced perspectives to international discussions on Afghanistan’s future. 

https://www.ames.ox.ac.uk/people/munazza-ebtikar

Weeda Mehran

Dr Weeda Mehran, a faculty member at the University of Exeter and Co-Director of the Centre for Advanced International Studies, brings a profound understanding of conflict and terrorism studies to her role. A PhD graduate from Cambridge and an MSc holder from Oxford, Dr Mehran has contributed to academic journals on topics ranging from political violence to peacebuilding. Her advisory roles include consultations for the UK House of Lords’ Inquiry on Afghanistan and multiple UN agencies, reflecting her pivotal role in shaping international policy on issues related to Afghanistan. Dr Mehran actively engages with the media, providing expert commentary for outlets like the BBC, CNN, and The Guardian, among others. Her academic and practical insights help bridge the gap between scholarly research and global policy-making in conflict-ridden regions. 

https://politics.exeter.ac.uk/staff/mehran/

Mélanie Sadozaï

Dr Mélanie Sadozaï is a post-doctoral research associate at the Department for Interdisciplinary and Multiscalar Area Studies (DIMAS) of the University of Regensburg. She was a post-doctoral fellow at the Institute for European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies (IERES) of the George Washington University (2022-2023), as well as a George F. Kennan fellow at the Wilson Center (2023). Dr Sadozaï received her PhD in Political Science and International Relations from the National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations (INALCO/Sorbonne Paris Cité). She graduated with a BA in Persian linguistics and civilizations from INALCO, and two MA in International Relations and War Studies from Université Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne. She was a visiting scholar at the French Institute for Central Asian Studies (IFEAC) in Bishkek (2019-2020) and at the Sigur Center for Asian Studies of GWU (2020-2022). Her current research focuses on cross-border relations in disrupted political conditions, with a focus on border exchanges between Central Asia and Afghanistan under the Taliban regime. Dr Sadozaï has published academic pieces in French journals and collective books, in the Journal of Borderlands Studies, the Journal of Power Institutions in Post-Soviet Societies, and Problems of Post-Communism.

https://www.uni-regensburg.de/dimas/english/people/research-associates/dr-melanie-sadozai/index.html

Said Reza Husseini

Dr Said Reza Husseini, a distinguished Research Fellow at King’s College, University of Cambridge, who specialises in Indo-Iranian and Islamic history in the connected regions of Khurasan and North India. His academic journey began at Jawaharlal Nehru University, where he studied the history of medieval and early modern India, followed by further studies at Leiden University, where he completed his second MA, focusing his thesis on millennialism in Mughal India and then earned his PhD, exploring the Arab Muslim conquests of Bactria under the European Research Council’s project “Embedding Conquests.” Currently, he is part of the Silk Roads Project at King’s, developing a monograph titled “The Mongols in Persian Discourse: Continuity and Changes 1252-1582.” Dr Husseini has published on diverse topics such as the socio-political dynamics of late antique Bactria and the fiscal systems of pre-Mongol Khurasan, contributing significantly to the understanding of these complex historical landscapes.

https://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/research/fellows/said-reza-huseini

Omar Sadr

Dr Omar Sadr is a senior research scholar at the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Governance and Markets. With previous roles at the American University of Afghanistan, Afghanistan Institute for Strategic Studies and other notable institutions, Dr Sadr’s research delves into governance, democracy, and cultural diversity. His book “Negotiating Cultural Diversity in Afghanistan” has been recognised for its insightful analysis into the governance challenges in pluralistic societies and won a 2022 book prize for Best Book in Social Science from the Central Eurasian Studies Society. Dr Sadr’s academic and advocacy efforts are aimed at promoting political reform and constitutionalism in diverse societies, emphasising the importance of inclusive governance for sustainable development. 

https://www.cgm.pitt.edu/people/omar-sadr

Zulfia Abawe

Dr Zulfia Abawe, a Lecturer in Global Business, Faculty of Business and Creative Industries of University of South Wales. She is an expert on international law and global business. With three post- graduate degrees, including a PhD in Law and Democracy, her research critically examines Afghanistan’s legal pluralism with a gendered lens, providing essential insights into the interplay between law and gender in Afghan society. Her current projects explore the dynamics of foreign interventions in Afghanistan, focusing on local practices and knowledge that shape legal and political developments. Dr Abawe’s academic pursuits make significant contributions to understanding the complexities of Afghanistan’s legal and political institutions, offering perspectives that bridge local realities with global strategies. 

https://pure.southwales.ac.uk/en/persons/zulfia-abawe

Mohammad Mirwais Balkhi

Dr Mohammad Mirwais Balkhi, former Minister of Education of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (2018-2020), has a distinguished academic and diplomatic career with significant contributions to education and international relations. He earned his PhD in International Relations with a specialisation in West Asian Studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, India. His scholarly work includes a deep analysis of Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy towards Afghanistan and assessments of regional integration processes affecting the country. During his tenure as Minister of Education, Dr Balkhi led extensive reforms aimed at improving educational standards and accessibility across Afghanistan, addressing the needs of a society recovering from prolonged conflicts and enhancing literacy and learning opportunities for the youth. Besides his ministerial role, Dr Balkhi has served as the Deputy Ambassador of Afghanistan in New Delhi and held prominent positions at the Center for Strategic Studies in Kabul. His extensive publications in both English and Persian cover a wide range of topics, from nation-building in Afghanistan to comparative studies on international interventions, continuing to influence educational and political frameworks within Afghanistan and contributing to discussions on regional stability and development. 

https://www.wilsoncenter.org/person/mirwais-balkhi

Dagikhudo Dagiev

Dr Dagikhudo Dagiev is a Senior Research Associate at the Institute of Ismaili Studies, where he also coordinates the institute’s Scholarships and Fellowships programmes. He received his bachelor’s degree with honours from Khorog State University in Tajikistan, followed by completion of his MPhil in Eurasian Studies at Oxford University. Dr Dagiev was awarded his PhD from the Department of Political Science at University College London (UCL). His academic expertise focuses on regime transition and identity formation in Central Asia, particularly examining the political and social dynamics of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Dr Dagiev’s notable publications include “Regime Transition in Central Asia: Stateness, Nationalism and Political Change in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan” and “Identity, History and Trans-Nationality in Central Asia: The Mountain Communities of Pamir.” His research provides valuable insights into the impacts of historical narratives and identity on contemporary Central Asian societies, contributing significantly to the field of political science and Central Asian studies. Currently, he is editing a two-volume book on Tajik communities of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Chinese Xinjiang autonomous region, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran. 

https://www.iis.ac.uk/our-people/units/shi-i-studies/dr-dagikhudo-dagiev/

A. Javeed Ahwar

Dr. A. Javeed Ahwar is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Nazarbayev University, where he brings extensive interdisciplinary expertise to his teachings and research. His academic journey includes three master’s degrees, covering Politics and Security in Central Asia from the OSCE Academy in Bishkek, European and International Human Rights Law from Leiden University, and Cultural Anthropology from Utrecht University. He completed his Ph.D. in Eurasian Studies at Nazarbayev University, focusing on the early modern history of Mawara al-Nahr and Khurasan. Dr Ahwar’s research critically explores the role of elitist politics and historiography within postcolonial studies, particularly examining the impacts of language ideology, educational policies, and history-writing on national and subnational identities in Central Asia, including Afghanistan. His work contributes significantly to understanding the complex dynamics of identity and politics in the region, offering insightful perspectives on governance and coexistence in multicultural societies. 

https://research.nu.edu.kz/en/persons/javeed-ahwar

John Casey

Dr John Casey is philosopher and journalist, associated with The Daily Telegraph. Focusing chiefly on Shakespeare, eighteenth-century and modern literature, and on English Moralists, he has been described as “mentor” to the late conservative philosopher, Roger Scruton. Dr Casey is a former lecturer in English at the University of Cambridge and a former lecturer and a Life Fellow of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. In 1975, along with Scruton, he founded the Conservative Philosophy Group. He was editor of The Cambridge Review between 1975 and 1979. DR Casey has been a regular contributor to The Spectator, The Sunday and Daily Telegraph, The Daily Mail and The Evening Standard. His special interest is foreign commentary, writing from Japan, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Burma, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Dr Casey’s many books include: The Language of Criticism (London: Methuen, 1966); (editor) Morality and Moral Reasoning (London: Methuen, 1971). Pagan Virtue: An Essay in Ethics (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1991), After Lives: A Guide to Heaven, Hell and Purgatory (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010), The Language of Criticism (London: Routledge Revivals, 2011). 

https://www.cai.cam.ac.uk/people/dr-john-casey

Zeynep Tuba Sungur

Dr. Zeynep Tuba Sungur is an Assistant Professor at the Social Sciences University of Ankara (ASBÜ) in the Department of Asian Studies. She specializes in the sociology of South Asia, with a focus on Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Iran. Her research centers on nationalism, nation-state formation, and socio-political identities. Dr. Sungur earned her BA from Boğaziçi University and her MS and PhD from Middle East Technical University (METU), where she also served as a Research Assistant. Her PhD dissertation (2020) explored the role of education in nation-building in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, for which she conducted field research in Kabul. Following her PhD, Dr. Sungur received the prestigious TÜBİTAK Post-Doctoral Fellowship, allowing her to conduct research at SOAS University of London (2022-23) on a comparative study of the concept of nationhood in Islamic Republics. Dr. Sungur’s work has garnered significant recognition, including her PhD-based article titled “Nation as Conceptualized in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan,” published in the esteemed *Nations and Nationalism* journal. This article was awarded the Dominique Jacquin-Berdal Essay Prize for 2022, an accolade given to the best article by a young scholar.

https://bce.asbu.edu.tr/en/akademik-personel/zeyneptubasungur

Nazi Karim

Nazi Karim is a PhD student at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Her current research explores the violence of everyday life, from direct and indirect violence to the embodied and invisible gendered experience of violence, with a specific ethnographic focus on current experiences of Afghanistani women under the Taliban regime. Prior to this, Karim has conducted ethnographic research with street working children of Kabul in Afghanistan and has also served as a Lecturer at Gawharshad University. Her journey as a researcher and academic is inspired by her lived experience in Afghanistan alongside years of working with women and children of Afghanistan in humanitarian fields within war and conflict zones.

https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/sacs/study/student-profiles/anthropology/naz-karim