Bahgat Korany (PhD in Political Science, 1974), Professor of International Relations and Political Economy at the American University in Cairo (AUC) and Director of the AUC Forum, has won the 2015 Distinguished Scholar Award for his contribution to the field of international studies. He is the first Arab scholar to win the International Studies Association’s (ISA) prestigious prize.

“Bahgat Korany's welcome recognition by the ISA Global South Caucus symbolises the increasing limitations of the US-dominated international relations discipline and the imperative of recognising and welcoming those 'other' perspectives, which are in fact the new mainstream," said Professor Timothy Shaw, director of the Governance-Human Security program at the University of Massachusetts, who introduced Bahgat Korany during the award ceremony. "AUC should be proud of such an eminent, respected and appreciated 'senior' professor – a cherished global citizen. We all express our indebtedness to Bahgat Korany and his analyses/networks, as recognised through this timely award”.

“I am very honoured, as this is the first time this award is given to someone from the Arab world”, said Bahgat Korany. “My education at the Graduate Institute has been a pillar of every contribution I have made to international relations, and our understanding of it. Scholars working on the ‘non-West', either from within or from outside, have a responsibility to thoroughly understand the field of international relations as a whole, and not only their geographical areas. They should focus on developing a critical approach to the discipline's main concepts and methodologies rather than mimicking them".

Baghat Korany will participate in a panel debate on “Which way for the Arab World?” with Professors Riccardo Bocco (Master in Development Studies, 1985) and Mohammad-Mahmoud Ould Mohamedou on 5 November 2015. He will also be present at the 2nd International Alumni Reunion on the weekend of 6 November.