Esam Boraey is a PhD student in Government, specializing in Comparative Politics and Political Economy with a regional focus on the Middle East. His research explores the intersection of authoritarianism, social movements, and economic development, particularly how state structures and societal norms shape political and economic outcomes in the region. Esam is especially interested in the political economy of reform, the role of civil society, and the dynamics of post-uprising transitions. Prior to Cornell, he was actively engaged in civil society initiatives and has worked extensively on issues of democratic governance and human rights across the MENA region.