For more than two decades, Professor Ahron Bregman has been a familiar presence at Franklin Summer Session.
A political scientist, author, journalist, and Senior Teaching Fellow at the Department of War Studies at King's College London, Bregman is internationally recognized as one of the leading experts on Middle Eastern politics. His work has reached audiences well beyond academia through bestselling books, major BBC productions, and the Netflix documentary The Spy Who Fell to Earth, based on his relationship with Egyptian intelligence figure Ashraf Marwan.
This summer marks his 24th year teaching Government and Politics of the Middle East at Franklin, a course that invites students to explore one of the world's most complex regions through discussion, critical thinking, and multiple perspectives.
We spoke with Professor Bregman about what continues to bring him back to Franklin every summer, how his experiences shape the classroom, and why studying the Middle East requires students to look beyond conventional frameworks.
1. Over the course of your career, you've been a scholar, author, journalist, and commentator on Middle Eastern politics. What experiences have had the greatest impact on the way you teach students today?
I strongly believe in the importance of oral history. Throughout my career, particularly during my work producing BBC TV series on the Middle East, I have had the opportunity to meet Presidents, Prime Ministers, and many other influential figures we often see on television. Interacting with these leaders has deepened my understanding and enriched my teaching, adding a new dimension to my classroom discussions.
2. Your work has reached audiences far beyond academia, from bestselling books to the Netflix documentary "The Spy Who Fell to Earth". How does bringing those real-world experiences into the classroom change the learning experience for students?
These real-world experiences result in lectures that are neither dry nor boring. I pride myself on the fact that students find my lectures interesting, and I'm not saying this in a pompous way. There is hardly any chance that a student will fall asleep in my lectures. It just doesn't happen.
3. You've been teaching at Franklin Summer Session for 24 years. What has made you come back every summer?
For me, Franklin is a home away from home. I spend my time here, usually in Summer 1, teaching, reconnecting with old friends I first met here, walking around Lake Muzzano, brainstorming ideas, and writing.
I have authored five major books, two of which served as companion volumes to prominent BBC TV series: The Fifty Years War and Elusive Peace. Much of the writing for these books has taken place here at Franklin. My memoir, The Spy Who Fell to Earth: My Relationship with the Secret Agent Who Rocked the Middle East, was written here in its entirety.
4. Franklin's liberal arts approach encourages students to look at complex issues from different perspectives. Why is that especially important when studying the Middle East?
Middle Eastern politics and history can be quite complex. Theories and models that effectively explain situations in other regions often fall short when applied to the Middle East. Analysing Middle Eastern affairs requires a multi-faceted approach and often involves thinking outside conventional frameworks. I strive to incorporate this perspective into my classroom discussions with students.
5. Your classes at Franklin are intentionally small and highly international. How does that shape the discussions compared with teaching in larger universities?
The relatively small class sizes, especially in the summer, allow for a more conversational teaching approach. This creates the time and space to engage in discussions, something I find challenging when teaching larger groups at King's College, my main base, during the academic year.
The student profile in my classes here is also very interesting, as I have students from the US, Europe, and the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and more. This diversity greatly enriches our discussions.