Joseph Massad

About the Author

Joseph Massad is a distinguished scholar and author whose work critically examines the intersections of colonialism, sexuality, and identity in the modern Middle East. Born in Jordan and educated at Columbia University, Massad has dedicated his career to challenging Western narratives of Orientalism and imperialism through rigorous historical and cultural analysis. His seminal book, Colonial Effects, explores how colonial discourses have shaped perceptions of Arab sexuality and nationalism, offering profound insights into the lasting impacts of empire on postcolonial societies. As a professor of Modern Arab Politics and Intellectual History at Columbia, Massad continues to influence academic discourse with his incisive critiques of power structures and cultural hegemony, making complex geopolitical issues accessible and urgent for contemporary readers.