Professor Gareth R. V. Stansfield OBE is Pro Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at the University of Exeter, where he also serves as Professor of Middle East Politics. He is also a Non-Resident Senior Fellow with the Atlantic Council in Washington, D.C.

A leading authority on Iraq, Gulf politics, and Kurdish affairs, Professor Stansfield has conducted extensive fieldwork across the Middle East and advised a wide range of governments, international organizations, and military institutions. His advisory roles have included work with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

In recognition of his contributions to UK interests in Iraq, he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2024. He holds multiple international fellowships and honorary appointments, including affiliations with Tsinghua University and the American University of Iraq, Baghdad. Over the course of his career, he has secured significant research funding, authored numerous books and scholarly articles, and contributed to advancing academic and policy understanding of conflict, governance, and political transformation in the Middle East.

With deep expertise in governance, strategy, and international engagement, Professor Stansfield brings valuable insight to AUK’s Board of Trustees. His experience advising governments and global institutions supports the Board’s strategic planning, strengthens international partnerships, and advances AUK’s commitment to academic excellence.

Professor Stansfield holds a Ph.D. in Political Science, an MA in Middle East Politics, and a BA in Geography, all from Durham University.