Alumni Dreams #246

Dimitar Borumov’s time in the BA International Studies (BAIS) program is defined by discovery, adaptability, and a deepening focus on the political economy of the Middle East. When he first entered BAIS, Dimitar was at a crossroads, unsure which specific path to follow. Yet the program’s interdisciplinary structure gave him the freedom to explore different fields, eventually guiding him toward a special focus on the Middle East and Modern Hebrew. Choosing this region—a world he knew little about—proved transformative, sparking both curiosity and admiration as he delved into the rich history and contemporary issues of the area.

For his thesis, Dimitar chose a thought-provoking topic, titled “How Neoliberalism Ended the Arab Cold War: The International Monetary Fund and the Economic Entanglement between Egypt and Gulf Monarchies in the 1970s and 1980s.” This research examined how the International Monetary Fund’s neoliberal influence reshaped the Egyptian economy and, in doing so, forged unexpected economic ties between former adversaries Egypt and Saudi Arabia. By approaching this topic through a political economy lens, Dimitar offered insights into the complex interplay between capital of different forms (i.e. money, goods, and human capital in the form of foreign labour) that connected Egypt and Saudi Arabia, which led to their interconnectedness and thus ended the era of economic rivalry between them.  

Outside of his thesis work, Dimitar contributed to the BAIS community in several ways. He represented Modern Hebrew at the area fair for two consecutive years, a role that showcased his commitment to his chosen region and his enthusiasm for sharing that interest with others. Dimitar also served as a student mentor during his second and third year, guiding first-year students as they navigated the BAIS program and adapted to university life.

Dimitar’s experiences at BAIS cemented his belief in the importance of interdisciplinarity and the ability to consider diverse perspectives. He speaks passionately about the value of understanding a viewpoint without necessarily agreeing with it, a skill he believes is crucial in political and economic discourse. This mindset has guided him into his current Master’s studies in International Relations, with a specialization in Global Political Economy at Leiden University, where he now explores transitional economies and the evolving landscape of capitalism.

To current and prospective BAIS students, Dimitar offers a message grounded in his own journey: make the most of every opportunity and commit to finding what drives you. He encourages students to embrace the early mornings and challenging coursework, knowing that it all contributes to a transformative experience that opens doors to both professional and personal growth!