Irina D. Zvyagelskaya – Professor, Doctor of Science (History), a Corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Head of the Center for Middle East Studies of the Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO). For many years, Irina has been lecturing at Moscow State Institute of International Relations under the Russian Foreign Ministry (MGIMO) and at the Institute of Asian and African Countries at Moscow State University. Her area of expertise includes contemporary history, conflicts, international relations, and security issues in the Middle East and Central Asia. She authored over 250 publications, including books, chapters and articles.