Charles R. Lister

About the Author

Charles R. Lister is a renowned expert on Middle Eastern politics and counterterrorism, with a career spanning over two decades in research, analysis, and advisory roles for governments and international organizations. He holds a PhD in International Relations from the University of Exeter and has served as a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington, D.C., where he focuses on jihadist movements and regional security dynamics. Lister's work bridges academic rigor with practical policy insights, offering clear-eyed assessments of complex geopolitical challenges. His seminal book, The Islamic State: A Brief Introduction, provides an accessible yet authoritative overview of the group's origins, ideology, and global impact, making it an essential resource for scholars, policymakers, and the general public seeking to understand modern extremism.