The multidisciplinary leader is determined to gain a deeper understanding of global issues and shape the future of political psychology in the Arab world and beyond.
The world has witnessed the rise of several male professionals who, across fields, have made their mark. However, how often has the world discussed or celebrated the consistent wins, innovations and leadership roles of female professionals? Things have been changing, and only for the better, with several visionary women at the forefront of various industries worldwide. Serving as a fine example of one such visionary, a multidisciplinary leader is Dr. Amna Al-Risi, who excels in bridging psychology and politics.
The intersection of politics and psychology in this ever-evolving and complex world is more relevant than ever. At the forefront of this unique discipline stands Dr. Amna Al-Risi, who is all about her passion, dedication, commitment and resilience as a versatile talent, excelling in the game as a distinguished lecturer, trainer and consultant in political psychology. She has remained dedicated to helping leaders and organizations understand political and international issues through a psychological lens.
She has an academic and professional background that spans multiple fields, including business, engineering, political science, diplomacy, psychology and intelligence studies. Thus far in her career, she has been able to carve out a unique niche for herself, offering others insights that bridge technical, analytical, and human perspectives. Before branching out into the world of political psychology, Dr. Amna Al-Risi earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. However, her passion for global affairs led her to pursue further studies in political science, international relations and intelligence.
Her academic achievements include an Honorary Doctorate in International Relations and Diplomacy from The LaHaye University in 2022, an Honorary Doctorate in 2025 from Dunster Business School in Switzerland in Political Science and Intelligence Studies, a Master’s Degree and a Doctorate in psychology and psychological counselling, as well as a Master’s Degree and a Doctorate in diplomatic and political relations. She has studied leadership at prestigious international universities, including Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, and the London School of Economics and Political Science. Additionally, she holds a diploma in political science and intelligence studies.
This multidisciplinary journey has empowered her to view global issues from multiple angles, including scientific, political, psychological, and strategic perspectives, making her guidance invaluable for leaders navigating today’s challenges. She is today one of the leading voices in political psychology in the Arab region and has delivered numerous training programs across various countries and organizations. These initiatives have helped equip leaders, analysts, and decision-makers with the psychological tools necessary for decoding political dynamics and making informed decisions.
A few of her specialized programs in political psychology that she has thrived in include Diploma in Security Sense and Crowd Psychology, Psychoanalytic Skills, and Foundations of Political Psychology, Diploma in Preparing a Political Analyst, Power and Influence in Leadership, and Ethical Leadership and Social Responsibility. Through these programs, she has highlighted the importance of psychological factors, such as identity, perception, group behaviour, and leadership style, in shaping political outcomes. She explains that behind every negotiation, conflict, or decision lies a psychological dimension that must be understood for sustainable solutions.
She is determined in her mission to “help leaders, particularly political and military leaders, see the impact of psychology on the issues they are dealing with and how psychological tools play a fundamental role in understanding the deeper dimensions of an issue and, consequently, making sound and appropriate decisions.” Her vision is to make political psychology an essential tool in diplomacy, governance, and security. In a time where polarization, misinformation and conflict dominate global headlines, her unique approach offers leaders a way to see beyond the conventional and focus on the psychological drivers of human and political behaviour.
Today, Dr. Amna Al-Risi is recognized across the Arab world with her programs. By introducing psychological frameworks into political analysis, she has expanded the toolkit available to researchers, analysts, and policymakers. She now aims to expand her impact globally to establish a stronger bridge between psychology and politics.
