Lisa Anderson

Columbia SIPA; Former Carnegie Council Trustee

Lisa Anderson headshot

Lisa Anderson is currently the James T. Shotwell Professor Emerita of International Relations and was president of The American University of Cairo (AUC) from 2011-2016. Prior to this position, she served as provost of AUC from 2008-2010.

Previously, Anderson was dean of the School of International and Public Affairs and professor in political science, Columbia University. She was with Columbia since 1986, and served as director of the Middle East Institute 1990-93. Prior to that she taught at Harvard University (1981-86) and was a visiting instructor in international relations at Sarah Lawrence College (1975-76), her alma mater.

Her professional activities currently include member of the board, Human Rights Watch and co-chair, Middle East Advisory Committee; member Council on Foreign Relations; chair, board of directors, Social Science Research Council. She sits on a number of editorial boards and has published widely on the Middle East.

Featured Work

APR 25, 2016 Podcast

Islamism: What It Means for the Middle East and the World

Until the mid-19th century, Islam was the sole basis of both political legitimacy and social identity across the Middle East. Islamists--a term that doesn't ...

Flag of Egypt all over Tahrir Square by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ramyraoof/5436339799/" target=_blank">Ramy Raoof </a>

APR 6, 2011 Podcast

The Arab Uprisings: The View from Cairo

As president of the American University of Cairo, Lisa Anderson was a witness to the recent protests in Tahrir Square. In this fascinating talk, she ...

APR 4, 2002 Podcast

Whom Do the Terrorists Represent? (New York Forum #2)

Whom do the terrorists speak for—do they speak for anyone? And do our answers to these questions affect what the U.S. and its ...

APR 4, 2002 Transcript

Whom Do the Terrorists Represent? (New York Forum #2)

Whom do the terrorists speak for—do they speak for anyone? And do our answers to these questions affect what the U.S. and its ...