GRINNELL, IA - Grinnell College offers an opportunity to move beyond the headlines and political rhetoric about U.S. - Iranian relations to an in-depth look at Iran's economic structure when an Iranian economist visits the College this fall. Nasser Elahi will deliver a lecture titled "Islamic Banking and Finance: The Case of Iran" on Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 4:15 p.m. in the Joe Rosenfield '25 Center, Room 101, on the Grinnell College campus. Elahi is an economic professor specializing in international economics and monetary policy. "Nasser Elahi is a fascinating individual who is devoted to finding concord between classical economics and Islamic theology," said David Harrison, director of Grinnell's Center for International Studies and associate professor of French. "Most people know something about Iran's foreign policy. This lecture will provide a different look at Iran than what we usually see as Dr. Elahi delves into the current state of the Iranian economy and explores reformist ideas for improvement." A native of Iran, Elahi holds a B.A. in economics from Mofid University, an M.A. in economics from the University of Tehran, and a Ph.D. in economics from Imam Sadiq University in Tehran. He also has the equivalent of a master's degree and Ph.D. in Islamic studies from the Islamic Seminary of Qom. Currently a visiting research scholar at the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame, Elahi returns to Iran in November as an economics professor at Mofid University, where he was previously vice-chancellor. He speaks three languages: Persian, Arabic, and English, and his research has been presented and published in both Iran and the United States. In addition to the public lecture, Elahi will visit Grinnell College classes and meet with members of the faculty. Elahi's lecture is sponsored by the Center for International Studies and the Rosenfield Program in Public Affairs, International Relations, and Human Rights. For more information on this lecture or upcoming events, contact the Center for International Studies at 641-236-4715.
