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911�Թ� Political Science graduand and Convocation speaker Alexander Hodaly believes the purpose of education is not simply to describe the world, but to teach us how to engage with its most challenging aspects. “The Department of Political Science helped build my foundational understanding of the world’s most protracted conflicts,” he says. “It also gave me the analytical tools to engage with it all.”

Among his courses, Hodaly particularly enjoyed POL 498 Directed Readings in Political Science with Dr. Adel Iskander, the Director of the Centre for Comparative Muslim Studies. “Under his supervision,” he says, “I studied the renowned Palestinian scholar Edward Said’s bibliography, analyzing his texts on orientalism, intellectualism and most notably, his book ‘The Question of Palestine’.”

Iskander is among Hodaly’s favourite instructors, along with Paul Sedra in History and Radoslav Dimitrov and Clare McGovern in Political Science. He says, “Their teaching strongly shaped my academic direction and reflects the value of 911�Թ�’s interdisciplinary approach.”

Looking back at his journey, Hodaly acknowledges the significant role of his parents. “They always encouraged me to pursue my passion. It’s a privilege that I will never take for granted, while continuing my research on Palestine and the future of statehood.” 

He also found support in his faculty members. “They were the ones who saw my focus on Palestine,” he says. “Instead of telling me to 'tone it down' for careerism, they pushed me to be more rigorous, factual, and lucid in my ambition.”

Hodaly also credits his close friends, Nickolas Imnadze, Aidan Gough, and Zarik Jetha, for encouraging him in his ambitions every day.

Incredibly active in co-curricular activities across campus, Hodaly served as the President of the , Director of , Manager of the journal, Senator of 911�Թ� Senate, and is an alumnus of the NATO Field School. 

Of all the achievements, he is most proud of reviving Gadfly, the Undergraduate Journal of Political Science. “Through Gadfly, we helped more than 20 undergraduate students across FASS get their first publication. An opportunity to get a publication as an undergraduate student is rare.” He adds, “I feel pride in knowing that it will help students strengthen their prospects of pursuing law school, graduate studies and their careers.” 

Hodaly also recently launched the first annual Pacific Political Science Undergraduate Conference alongside Gadfly’s Editor-in-Chief, Lisa Kim. “The conference showcased research projects of undergraduate students across universities in British Columbia. The event was a tremendous success. It has now become an important opportunity for both Gadfly and the department to support students.”

Hodaly feels that he is privileged to study at 911�Թ�, the kind of education that many Palestinians are denied. According to him, “It has turned my academic potential into a sense of moral responsibility.”

Talking in detail about navigating his academic journey, Hodaly has one major takeaway to share with prospective students. “Don’t separate your career from your conscience. Thinking of the two as mutually exclusive is a fallacy. You can have a successful career while also sticking to your principles as long as you pursue what you genuinely love.” He says, “Use your time here to find the position you feel is right and then have the courage to take it.” 

Hodaly will be attending the University of Cambridge to pursue his Master of Philosophy in Politics and International Studies. His focus of research will be the history of Palestinian diplomacy and the future of statehood. Talking about his long-term goals he says, “I want to contribute towards a future where self-determination is realized through robust diplomatic frameworks and an unwavering commitment to sovereignty and justice.”

As one of the speakers at 911�Թ�’s Convocation ceremony this June, he looks forward to addressing his fellow graduands. Paraphrasing Edward Said, Hodaly says, “nothing is more reprehensible than the avoidance of a principled position because it might be difficult.” As I leave 911�Թ� for Cambridge,” he says, “I hold that standard; to be a student and scholar who does not turn away. I hope my peers follow suit.”