Shadi Hamid

Education: Georgetown University, B.S. in international politics and M.A. in Arab studies; University of Oxford, PhD in political science

Shadi Hamid is a columnist and member of the Editorial Board at The Washington Post, where he focuses on culture, religion and foreign policy. He is also an assistant research professor of Islamic studies at Fuller Seminary. Previously, he was a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. Hamid is the author of several books, including most recently, "The Problem of Democracy." His previous book "Islamic Exceptionalism: How the Struggle Over Islam is Reshaping the World" was short-listed for the 2017 Lionel Gelber Prize for best book on foreign affairs. In 2019, Hamid was named one of the worl
Latest from Shadi Hamid

‘When men become less critical to a society’s security, masculinity takes a hit’

Men are in crisis. On the latest episode of “Impromptu,” we look for what can be done.

September 5, 2024

What do men want?

The evidence is in. American men are facing a crisis — in health, in education and in the labor force. But under all of that runs deeper trends — disconnection, loneliness and a lack of role models. Columnists Theodore Johnson and Shadi Hamid talk with Richard Reeves, founder of the American Institute for Boys and Men, about the dueling visions of masculinity on the political stage and a hopeful way forward for the modern man.

September 3, 2024

Harris has upended years of Democratic dogma. That’s good.

The best way to protect American democracy is to not mention it.

August 8, 2024
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris outside the White House. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Is Tim Walz the right choice?

Vice President Harris has chosen the dark horse candidate. What does he mean for the party?

August 6, 2024
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks at the White House on July 3. (Allison Robbert/The Washington Post)

‘I do think she can win!’ Impromptu thoughts on Harris doubters.

Were Democrats too hasty about falling in line?

July 25, 2024

Can Kamala Harris win?

After all the hand-wringing over the last month, it took only about 24 hours for Democrats to fall in line behind Vice President Harris as their new nominee. Even so, some worry she’s not the strongest candidate that could have been put forward. Our columnists discuss whether she can win, who might join her as a running mate and what it means for her chances to be a woman of color on the top of the ticket in 2024.

July 23, 2024

Is Trump’s near-death experience part of God’s plan?

What a nation can expect when a leader is nearly assassinated.

July 16, 2024
Former president Donald Trump attends the first day of the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

Trump has changed what it means to be evangelical

As other denominations have dwindled since 2016, the number of evangelicals has grown.

June 17, 2024
Evangelicals for Trump meet at the Solid Rock Church in Cincinnati in March 2020. (Amy Powell for The Washington Post)

Rethinking identity in a fractured America

As trust in institutions plummets and many people search for shared values, what is the state of American identity? This bonus "Impromptu" episode features a live discussion between Opinions columnists and the hosts of "Post Reports" about the importance of identity in a changing world.

May 19, 2024

Rethinking identity in a fractured America

As trust in institutions plummets and as many people search for shared values, what is the state of American identity? Today, in a special episode of “Post Reports,” we feature a live discussion about the importance of identity in a changing world.

May 15, 2024