Daniyal Burney

Research interests

• Social Movement Theory

• Frame Analysis

• Charisma in Black Politics

• Rhetoric and Mobilisation

• Religious Social Movements

• The Nation of Islam

Doctoral research

Leadership Shifts and the Dynamics of Social Movements: Frame Evolution in the Nation of Islam

Daniyal completed his BA in Theology and Religious Studies at King's College London, where he also earned his AKC award. He went on to complete his PGCE at King's College London, followed by a master’s degree in Politics and Economics of the Middle East at the same institution. For his master’s dissertation, Daniyal explored the impact of charismatic leadership on frame alignment in social movements, with a focus on the American civil rights movement. He was awarded with the DPE Student Award in this time.

Now pursuing a PhD within the Department of Political Economy, supported by a studentship from the London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership, Daniyal's research integrates his academic experiences. His PhD explores the impact of evolving leadership frames in social movements undergoing leadership transitions, with particular attention to movements influenced by religious ideology. With a historical and contemporary focus on the Nation of Islam, Daniyal's research offers a comparative analysis of the frames and rhetoric employed by Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm X, Warith Deen Mohammed, and Louis Farrakhan. His work examines how these leadership strategies have shaped collective behaviour and influenced mobilisation efforts within the movement over time.