SOAS in the Media: June 2026

Slavery law repeals in France and African identity

• Professor Olivette Otele was interviewed by France24, discussing the repeal of the ‘Code Noir’ slavery law in France, and making considerations for reparations.
• Professor Otele’s book ‘African Europeans’ was cited by Spanish publication The Vanguard surrounding connections between Europe and Africa across time and space.

China’s poverty reduction and cooling of political tension with the UK

• Director of the SOAS China Institute Professor Steve Tsang shared commentary with Al Jazeera on the intentions of both China and the UK in ‘thawing’ their international relations with each other.
• Professor Arkebe Oqubay was interviewed by Global Times China on China’s position on poverty reduction.

Histories surrounding Rwanda

• Professor Phil Clark featured with France24, discussing both the French and Rwandan leadership inaugurating a new memorial in Paris dedicated to the victims of the Rwandan genocide, and the questions around France’s historical role within in it.
• Commentary from Professor Clark featured with Africa News Agency on the award-winning Rwandan film, ‘Ben'Imana’.

Relations between Iran and the US

• Dr Rowena Abdul Razak spoke to DW News on the breakdown in talks between Iran and the US, alongside the escalations of Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon.

Politics in Bangladesh

• Professor Naomi Hossain was interviewed on the ‘Grand Tamasha’ podcast, discussing the new era of politics in Bangladesh. 

The Strait of Hormuz and global food production

• Director of the SOAS Middle East Institute Professor Adam Hanieh spoke on BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Food Programme’ on the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and how it has changed industry and global food production from the Gulf Region. 

Delving into the manosphere, extended

• Insights from Professor Awino Okech featured with Daily Mirror, BBC Brazil and other publications, dissecting the manosphere, its social media influencers, and how it presents harmful and misogynistic attitudes.

The world of education and AI

• Professor Arshin Adib-Moghaddam featured with University World News, sharing commentary on the world of education and AI. 

Analysing the UK government 

• Dr Avinash Paliwal wrote for Hindustan Times on the UK government’s understanding (and or misunderstanding) of the country’s society.

The historical context behind family life in China 

• Professor Jieyu Liu appeared on the Uncommon Sense podcast to discuss her research into the history of family life in China, and how it has evolved over the years. 

Spotlighting Iranian arts and culture, extended

• Dr Katayoun Shahandeh wrote an article for Kayhan Life on London’s Iranian Contemporary Art Biennale, and its cultural significance in spotlighting Iranian artists.

Taiwanese Literature

• Dr Ming-Yeh Rawnsley wrote for Taipei Times, reviewing the International Booker Prize winning book, Taiwan Travelogue.