Avi Shlaim is a prominent British historian known for his work on the history of the Middle East, particularly the Arab-Israeli conflict. He was born in Baghdad in 1945 and later moved to Israel, where he served in the military. Shlaim is a professor at the University of Oxford and has authored several influential books that analyze the political dynamics of the region. Shlaim is associated with the "New Historians" movement, which seeks to reinterpret the history of Israel and its relations with Palestine. His research often challenges traditional narratives and emphasizes the importance of understanding both sides of the conflict. Through his work, he aims to promote a more nuanced understanding of the complex historical issues in the region.