As the Executive Director of the Baskerville Institute, I am proud to lead an organization that honors the memory of Baskerville and contributes to greater mutual understanding between American and Iranian people.

The Baskerville Institute seeks to promote understanding and respect between Americans and Iranians through its diverse programming. Named after Howard C. Baskerville (1885-1909) who sacrificed his life for Iranian constitutionalism in 1909, the institute runs a lecture/webinar series, hosts a digital archive, supports student interns, publishes a newsletter and translation projects, organizes cultural exhibitions and educational programs, and otherwise facilitates bridge-building between Iranians and Americans.

Prior to this position, I have held various academic, administrative positions at University of
Utah, University of Maine, American University in Cairo (AUC), and American University in Washington, DC. I received my PhD from University of Virginia in International Law and Government. My most recent publications include:

How sports stars are forwarding the protests in Iran
A game changer in Iran — how soccer stars are driving Iran’s protest movement
Filmmakers, musicians, visual artists and writers have found new ways to protest in Iran
40 years after the Iran hostage crisis, enduring bonds of friendship remain
How Can Iran and the United States Normalize Their Relationship After 36 Years of Mutual Satanization?
Sports Diplomacy With Iran: Breaking Barriers, Bridging Differences
Can the U.S. and Iran Become Trustworthy Rivals?
Rouhani’s Nuclear Gridlock: Assessing the Domestic Challenges to President Hassan Rouhani’s Nuclear Deal with the West

I have published extensively in the area of Iranian culture and politics including Parliamentary Politics in Revolutionary Iran: Institutionalization of Factional Politics, “Seeking International Legitimacy: Understanding the Dynamics of Nuclear Nationalism in Iran” (Nuclear Politics in Iran), “Iran: Shari`a Politics and the Transformation of Islamic Law” (Shari’a Politics, Islamic Law, and Society in the Modern World), and “Revolutionary Iran and Egypt: Exporting Inspirations and Anxiety” (Iran and the Surrounding World).

The Baskerville Institute staff are committed to fostering greater mutual understanding between Americans and Iranians. They work on fresh ideas, bring  energy to our work, and provide invaluable support in fulfilling our mission.

Our interns play a crucial role. We are proud to support these emerging leaders as they develop skills and gain experience in building bridges between nations.

Delara Hosseini is Project Manager at the Baskerville Institute. After receiving her undergraduate degree in History from the University of Utah, including a minor in Persian Language & Culture, she is dedicated to promoting friendship between Americans and Iranians, assisting in the implementation of the projects, ensuring that all projects are delivered with excellence. Delara is currently pursuing a graduate MBA at Westminster University, focusing on nonprofit management.

Lindsay Hafen is the Baskerville Institute Summer 2023 intern. Currently a senior at Brigham Young University, she is studying Middle East Studies and Arabic. Her love for the Middle East stems from a desire to better understand the people, culture, and traditions of this region. Lindsay’s eagerness to enhance her education is what led her to apply for this internship. Her primary goal is to gain a deeper understanding of friendship in international affairs, particularly how to promote and enhance friendship between Americans and Iranians.