The breadth and scope of Prof. A.K. Ramakrishnan’s contributions to International Relations and West Asian Studies cannot be captured in a single piece of writing. What is even more remarkable, however, is how his engagement with these fields constantly challenges mainstream, often hegemonic, narratives as well as knowledge bases in order to bring in a more rigorous approach to research. Through his writings, teaching and public interactions, he has constantly demonstrated newer, nuanced ways of critical thinking. His works encourage scholars to transcend methodological and disciplinary boundaries, highlighting the significance of critical theory, cultural studies and adopting a politically conscious, especially counter-hegemonic lens to understand West Asian politics as well as broader themes in International Studies.