Bernie Kaussler received his BA (Hons) in International Relations from the University of Sussex in Britain and earned a Master in Middle East Politics and a PhD in International Relations from the University of St Andrews, analyzing EU human rights diplomacy towards Iran. In his function as Associate Fellow at the Institute for Iranian Studies, Bernie continues to be engaged in numerous projects on Iranian domestic politics and foreign policy, has published several articles on the subject and serves as expert consultant on Iran. His work has been published in International Studies Perspectives, British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies, Iranian Studies, White House Studies, The World Today, Foreign Policy in Focus and Jane’s Intelligence Review.

His current research interests are human rights violations and political violence in Iran, Iranian foreign policy and Persian Gulf security. Dr. Kaussler has extensive media experience and is available for interviews on U.S. foreign policy and current affairs in the Middle East.

Dr. Kaussler's teaching areas include: Middle East Security, Comparative Politics of the Middle East, Political Islam, International Relations, and Foreign Policy Analysis. (Courses offered: POSC 370, GPOSC 200, POSC 430 and INTA 489)

He speaks with a distinct European accent and is a connoisseur of the Middle Eastern cuisine.