Biography
Md. Saiful Islam Shanto is a Presidential Fellow and Ph.D. student in International Relations at Florida International University (FIU). His primary research focuses on security studies, terrorism & violent extremism, peace and conflict resolution, forced migration and border dynamics, South Asian geopolitics, Chinese foreign policy, and regional organizations.
Prior to joining FIU, Saiful completed his Master of Social Science and Bachelor of Social Science in International Relations from Jahangirnagar University in Dhaka, Bangladesh. During his academic career in Bangladesh, he was awarded the Government Scholarship and institutional merit honors for outstanding scholastic performance. He also gained valuable policy research experience by working as a Research Assistant at the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS).
His peer-reviewed publications have appeared in academic journals, such as the International Affairs, International Journal of Peace and Conflict Research and the Journal of South Asian Issues. He also participated in global academic forums, including conferences and workshops held in countries like Turkey, India, and Sri Lanka. Beyond his doctoral research and coursework, Saiful is actively engaged in academic service and editorial roles; he serves as a Section Editor for the International Journal of Peace and Conflict Research, a policy media staff writer at the Institute for Youth in Policy, and Vice President of the Asian Studies Graduate Club at FIU.
Areas of Expertise:
Security Studies, Terrorism & Violent Extremism, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Forced Migration & Border Studies, South Asian Politics, Chinese Foreign Policy, Regional Cooperation & Organizations