Robert Mason, Associate Professor from the Gulf States Institute in Washington served as an HSSH Visiting Professor in 2025, recently concluding his stay in Helsinki. In this short interview, he looks back on his time at the University of Helsinki and shares reflections on the collaborations, discussions, and insights that shaped his visit.
What research interests, projects and questions have you been working on at the University of Helsinki, and HSSH, and with whom?
My main research focus is on the international relations of the Middle East with a particular reference to the Gulf states. I was fortunate to be hosted at HSSH by Professor Hannu Juusola and Professor Riikka Kuusisto. During my stay I gave an open lecture on Gulf security, engaged with PhD students and discussed their research, and engaged with the wider policy community in Helsinki through an event at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs. I also presented at a Finnish Institute in the Middle East event for the local business community alongside other experts from HSSH. It is anticipated that work with HSSH PhD candidates and on joint funding proposals will be ongoing.
Why are these collaborations important?
These collaborations are immensely important in terms of building personal connections and familiarity with institutional and state settings. By spending time discussing various aspects of our research and teaching, we can identify value-added cooperation and build more sustainable connections that would be hard to establish in any other way. For me, my first time in Finland gave me fresh understanding into the history and priorities of the country and an opportunity to engage with a diverse range of individuals whose unique insights are relevant to my work.
Is there anything else you would like to mention about your visit?
I would like to reiterate my appreciation to my hosts and HSSH administration for the warm welcome, time, and effort in making my stay go so smoothly.
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We thank Professor Mason for his valuable contributions and his visit, and for sharing his reflections with us.