Even with laws, access to information is a work in progress Sophie Sunderland and Joseph Asunka - April 19, 2024 Across Africa, few citizens are confident they could actually get a look at government budgets and contracts.
In citizens’ assessments, most African police forces come up short Matthias Krönke, Thomas Isbell, and Makanga Ronald Kakumba - March 22, 2024 From protests to traffic stops, negative experiences often mark the public’s views of police professionalism.
Africa’s message to COP28: Take action now on climate change Alfred Kwadzo Torsu and Matthias Krönke - November 29, 2023 Afrobarometer surveys in 39 countries show citizens want immediate measures to mitigate climate-related threats.
What the arrest warrant for Putin really means Kelebogile Zvobgo - October 3, 2023 He may never stand trial, but that’s not all that matters.
It’s been a great nine years for TMC political science analysis Kim Yi Dionne, John Sides, and Henry Farrell - December 31, 2022 We’ve published thousands of articles. Here are some of our editors’ favorites.
African politics in 2022: More than coups and conflict Laura Seay and Kim Yi Dionne - December 29, 2022 The TMC 2022 roundups: African politics
Leaders around the world made bold moves in 2022. They didn’t always succeed. Elizabeth N. Saunders - December 29, 2022 The TMC 2022 roundups: The international beat
It’s International Migrants Day. These are three must-read books. Laura Seay and Kim Yi Dionne - December 18, 2022 What shapes the policies and approach of host-country governments?
What do Africans think about the proposed East African Federation? Mercy Kaburu and Carolyn Logan - September 9, 2022 An Afrobarometer survey suggests citizens aren’t aware of the plans for regional integration
Why did Kenyans elect Ruto as president? Susanne D. Mueller - August 23, 2022 What looks superficially like a normal election was filled with contradictions, intrigue, double-crossing and surprise shifts in ethnic loyalties
Will Ghana’s new e-levy help the economy recover from the pandemic? Richard Aidoo - August 9, 2022 Ghana isn’t the only country to try to tax mobile money transactions
Three things to know about Kenya’s elections tomorrow Kathleen Klaus and Jane (Mango) Angar - August 7, 2022 For one thing, ethnicity might matter less – and class more – than in the past.
Kenya’s democracy needs more than campaigns to end vote-buying Prisca Jöst and Ellen Lust - August 4, 2022 Voters attending rallies often expect to receive T-shirts, small amounts of money or other gifts
The Philippines elected a dictator’s son. Why are dynasties popular? James Loxton - May 26, 2022 Ties to a former dictatorship are quite common in new democracies, this research explains
Calling Ukrainian refugees more ‘civilized’ than Syrians requires willful amnesia Oumar Ba, Lina Benabdallah, and Elif Kalaycioglu - March 21, 2022 The history of the West suggests something else entirely
Africans across 34 countries see the police as predatory, not protective Carolyn Logan - March 19, 2022 Afrobarometer’s latest surveys indicate poorer citizens are more likely than the wealthy to be pressured to pay bribes
Russia’s land grabs in Ukraine could break the international order Sara Mitchell, Paul Hensel, Krista Wiegand, and Andrew Owsiak - March 3, 2022 Would other countries also try to claim territory that contains their ethnic kin?
Worried about the state of democracy? Here are some reasons to be optimistic instead. Miguel Angel Lara Otaola - March 2, 2022 These factors help countries return to democracy after an authoritarian spell, our research finds
Russia believes tanks trump international law. Smaller countries like Kenya are using the U.N. to push back. Anjali Dayal - February 26, 2022 Here’s what we learned from the U.N. Security Council emergency meetings on Ukraine
African and Western diplomats want the fighting to stop in Ethiopia. Less pressure might help. Allard Duursma - December 6, 2021 Research explains what makes cease-fires stick
When Africans speak out, are their governments listening? Joseph Asunka, E. Gyimah-Boadi, and Carolyn Logan - December 2, 2021 The seventh in Afrobarometer’s special democracy summit series on Africa
China has invested deeply in Africa. We checked to see whether that is undermining democracy. Josephine Appiah-Nyamekye Sanny and Carolyn Logan - October 28, 2021 The second in Afrobarometer’s special democracy summit series on Africa
Why Somalia won its claim to a disputed maritime zone in the Indian Ocean Bridget Coggins - October 19, 2021 Kenya also claimed this area, and had parceled out oil and gas exploration rights
‘The Black and White Rainbow’ reveals how hard it is to build a ‘rainbow’ nation Laura Seay - September 2, 2021 Unity in diversity was one of the hopes of post-apartheid South Africa.
Can you be a citizen of more than one country? Here’s what to learn from Liberia. Fulya Felicity Turkmen - August 26, 2021 A new book explores national and transnational citizenship in the 21st century
This book explains when peacekeeping works — and when it doesn’t Naazneen H. Barma - August 19, 2021 To give peace a chance, start with the grass roots, not the treetops.
A Chinese airport project in Zanzibar floundered. Here’s what the new G-7 infrastructure plan can learn. Veda Vaidyanathan - August 18, 2021 Our analysis of megaprojects reveals where Chinese companies enjoy advantages — and where they fall short
Michela Wrong’s new book explores the 2013 murder of an exiled Rwandan official Laura Seay - August 12, 2021 Extensive interviews reveal more about the country’s campaign against dissidents
The E.U. is furious that Belarus allowed more than 4,000 migrants to cross into Europe Gerasimos Tsourapas - August 12, 2021 As countries in the global north outsource refugee management to the global south, expect more poor countries to ‘weaponize’ migration.
3 books offer deep dive into Kenyan politics Laura Seay and Kim Yi Dionne - July 29, 2021 This week’s African Politics Summer Reading Spectacular examines bureaucratic wrangling, the links between land and violence, and refugee life
Announcing the 8th Annual TMC African Politics Summer Reading Spectacular! Laura Seay and Kim Yi Dionne - July 15, 2021 Join us in reading some of the latest fascinating books on African politics
Kenya might expel refugees to their home countries Kristin Michelitch and Jeremy Horowitz - June 24, 2021 How do Kenyans view refugees — and what would boost public support for letting them stay?
The G-7 wants to mobilize new global financing as an alternative to China’s multilateral push Jonathan Kay, Christopher Kilby, and Ayse Kaya - June 15, 2021 Our research examines loans from the Beijing-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
Africans find it hard to learn what their governments are up to. It’s no surprise many suspect corruption. Joseph Asunka and Carolyn Logan - May 20, 2021 The lack of transparency affects people’s views of government, Afrobarometer surveys find
LGBTQ Pride month is coming. Can Pride events change attitudes in conservative countries? Sam Whitt, Phillip Ayoub, and Douglas Page - May 18, 2021 Conditions have to be just right.
Chinese investment in Africa involves more than megaprojects. Private enterprises also are making their mark. Yoon Jung Park - April 16, 2021 We looked at the impact of private Chinese investments in seven countries
Africa has started vaccinating against the coronavirus. But do citizens trust their governments on vaccine safety? Aminatou Seydou - March 11, 2021 New Afrobarometer surveys help explain vaccine reluctance in five West African countries
These two African railway megaprojects tell us a lot about China’s development model Maria Adele Carrai - March 4, 2021 Surprisingly, local rules matter more than Chinese government guidelines
Biden called climate change an ‘existential threat.’ Can the U.N. Security Council help? Morgan Bazilian, Joshua Busby, and Florian Krampe - March 1, 2021 The U.S. presides over the council this month
Fewer Africans think taxes are legitimate. That’s a problem. Thomas Isbell and Lulu Olan’g - February 25, 2021 How citizens view taxation could be critical to government responses to emergencies such as the coronavirus
The International Criminal Court just elected a new chief prosecutor. Here’s what you need to know. Nastaran Far, Hailey Robertson, and Kelebogile Zvobgo - February 16, 2021 The ICC’s future will rest on the new prosecutor’s success in opening, trying and closing cases — and being fair
Africans want elections, but fewer believe they work Mavis Zupork Dome and Fredline M'Cormack-Hale - February 11, 2021 Faith in electoral accountability has declined in the past decade
Africans think their governments aren’t fighting corruption hard enough Christiaan Keulder - January 28, 2021 But they fear punishment if they speak up against it
There’s a long, troubling history behind the Capitol attack Kathleen Klaus and Aditi Malik - January 22, 2021 Although the siege surprised almost everyone, it did not emerge randomly
Coronavirus crisis tests social bonds in Africa Luyando Mutale Katenda, Carolyn Logan, and Aminatou Seydou - December 17, 2020 The latest Afrobarometer surveys find evidence of both unity and discrimination in 18 African countries
Africans are embracing digital media, but they’re wary of the downsides Joseph Koné and Jeffrey Conroy-Krutz - December 3, 2020 Afrobarometer surveys also reveal that there’s still a digital divide
Many Republicans believe the election was fixed. But that’s what losing partisans often think. Dan Cassino - December 3, 2020 What’s new is how many are not just suspicious, but say they’re sure it’s true
The U.S. election is over. What did international observers think? Susan D. Hyde - November 9, 2020 Here’s the report card.
Nigerians are protesting police abuses. How do citizens of other African countries view the police? Josephine Appiah-Nyamekye Sanny and Brian Howard - November 5, 2020 Afrobarometer surveys reveal where people are less likely to trust the police
Presidents who threaten election violence lose votes Stephanie Burchard - November 2, 2020 What can research on Africa tell us about the U.S.?
The U.S. may be readying drone strikes in Kenya. That might increase the violence. Anjli Parrin and Abdullahi Halakhe - September 30, 2020 Reported targets are al-Shabab militants operating in an area with high tensions
How the coronavirus pandemic is fueling ethnic hatred Jessica Gottlieb and Adrienne LeBas - September 17, 2020 The economic crisis is pushing megacities’ dominant groups to be less tolerant and more resentful of outsiders.
African countries can fight coronavirus better when citizens encourage one another Melina R. Platas, Leah R. Rosenzweig, and Clara Bicalho - September 8, 2020 A recent survey offers public health insights from Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya
‘States of Justice’ asks tough questions about the International Criminal Court Kate Cronin-Furman - September 7, 2020 Oumar Ba’s new book illuminates the relationship between African governments and the ICC
Two women from Africa are among the leading candidates to head the WTO J.P. Singh - July 20, 2020 Candidates have to navigate a highly political process to become director-general of the World Trade Organization
‘Legislative Development in Africa’ is a deeply researched book Kim Yi Dionne - July 10, 2020 In Kenya and Zambia, legislatures helped enforce political accountability.
Malawians elected a new president in Tuesday’s historic election Kim Yi Dionne and Boniface Dulani - June 27, 2020 Independent judges and street protests paved the way for the ouster of the unpopular incumbent.
Four ways Donald Trump is already manipulating the U.S. elections Spencer Piston and Nic Cheeseman - June 15, 2020 Biden said Trump will try to steal the election. That’s already underway.
Announcing the 7th Annual TMC African Politics Summer Reading Spectacular! Laura Seay and Kim Yi Dionne - May 28, 2020 It’s summer, and that means we’re reading the latest and greatest books on African politics. Join us!
Developing countries have been busy forging trade agreements — with one another Nita Rudra and Daniela Donno - May 26, 2020 Supply chains in a post-pandemic world might revolve far less around China
Many Africans distrust their governments. How will that affect their coronavirus response? E. Gyimah-Boadi and Carolyn Logan - May 1, 2020 How governments handle the pandemic — whether with compassion or corruption — will influence attitudes for years to come.
African women have less access to the Internet than African men do. That’s a problem. Dominique Dryding, Carmen Alpin Lardies, and Carolyn Logan - March 5, 2020 On International Women’s Day, let’s consider whether all women are advancing equally.
A Malawi court just ordered a do-over presidential election. Here’s what you need to know. Kim Yi Dionne and Boniface Dulani - February 3, 2020 Months of investigations and protests about election tampering led to this historic ruling.
Yes, aid workers are getting killed more often. But why? Emily K. M. Scott - December 6, 2019 Aid groups are protecting international staff — while local staff are getting killed in their own countries.
Trump wants to pull Cameroon’s preferential trade status. Here’s what you need to know. Travis Curtice - November 28, 2019 Are human rights concerns the real reason or just a pretext?
Yes, aid workers are getting killed more often. But why? Emily K. M. Scott - November 26, 2019 More and more, humanitarian workers get killed in their own countries.
In Somalia, can al-Shabab be defeated? Here’s why a nonmilitary option might succeed. Christian Taylor - November 5, 2019 It’s critical to keep defectors from rejoining.
African nations are among those most vulnerable to climate change. A new survey suggests they are also the least prepared. Edem E. Selormey and Carolyn Logan - September 22, 2019 Afrobarometer surveyed more than 45,000 people in 34 countries.
‘Digital Democracy’ delivers a powerful read on politics and social media in Africa Kim Yi Dionne - July 19, 2019 The Internet makes it possible for citizens to react to unfolding events in real time.
Turkey’s ruling party is splintering. Here’s why. Yunus Orhan and John Reuter - July 18, 2019 Defections could be a bigger threat to Erdogan’s rule than the recent election losses
Why Facebook is pushing Libra Ben Power - June 20, 2019 Facebook’s new digital currency comes with large risks.
Syrian refugees have become pawns in their host nations’ politics Gerasimos Tsourapas - June 14, 2019 Certain states are using their position to secure unearned external income — refugee rent.
This gripping memoir tells the story of a girl — and South Africa — coming of age Kim Yi Dionne - June 13, 2019 Msimang’s stories teach readers about race and racism, how one’s political ideology shifts, and about contemporary South African political history.
How Huawei could survive Trump Jordan Link - June 9, 2019 In Africa, basic connectivity needs and lower prices may outweigh security concerns.
Why are Kenyans protesting their government? Ken Opalo - May 13, 2019 Popular support for the Kenyatta government has eroded. Here’s why.
African governments are cracking down on the news media. Their citizens might be okay with that. Jeffrey Conroy-Krutz - May 12, 2019 When Africans think of “the media,” often they think of the hatemongers and fake-news peddlers.
Countries are piling on to ban Boeing’s new plane from their airspace Ashley Nunes - March 12, 2019 Investigators look over debris from the crash site of Ethiopian
Why does Malawi have 1,331 candidates running for 193 seats in parliament? Michael Wahman and Merete Bech Seeberg - March 10, 2019 To fix democracies, you have to pay attention to the primaries’ integrity, too.
Not all Christian leaders in Africa are opposed to LGBTQ inclusion Sarah K. Dreier - March 6, 2019 There’s more to the story of the drama in the Methodist church.
4 in 10 Africans are deeply committed to democracy. That’s the good news. Robert Mattes - March 5, 2019 Afrobarometer finds that the level of commitment varies dramatically by country. Here’s the breakdown.
Why are so many African leaders shutting off the Internet in 2019? Chipo Dendere - January 30, 2019 [caption id="attachment_83225" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Protesters gather near a burning tire
The International Criminal Court just acquitted the former Ivory Coast president. What happens now? Oumar Ba - January 22, 2019 [caption id="attachment_82866" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo
The African Union called on Congo to suspend its election’s results. That’s unprecedented. Anna Mwaba - January 21, 2019 After a contentious race, on Jan. 10, 2019, Democratic Republic
Ugandan police are attacking protesters. Here’s how that backfires. Travis Curtice and Brandon Behlendorf - January 16, 2019 [caption id="attachment_82634" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A supporter sits next to posters
Would it be ethical for the U.N. refugee agency to send Rohingya back to Myanmar? Mollie Gerver - December 17, 2018 [caption id="attachment_81619" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Rohingya refugees shout slogans against repatriation
A few NGOs are getting a lot of bad press. What’s the overall track record? Rachel Robinson, Jennifer Brass, and Allison Schnable - December 4, 2018 [caption id="attachment_80998" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Rescue workers rest during a search
Do international observers go easy on African elections? Susan Dodsworth - November 20, 2018 [caption id="attachment_78810" align="aligncenter" width="960"] An electoral official counts ballots at
What does it take to build climate resilience — especially among the world’s most vulnerable? Chesney McOmber - November 2, 2018 [caption id="attachment_79711" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Honduran migrants in a caravan heading
China is offering ‘no strings attached aid’ to Africa. Here’s what that means. Xiaojun Li - September 27, 2018 [caption id="attachment_77825" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Chinese President Xi Jinping, center, attends
What do shifting grass-roots dynamics tell us about the Zimbabwe election? Kathleen Klaus, Jeffrey Paller, and George Bob-Milliar - August 30, 2018 [caption id="attachment_77245" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A soldier looks at a portrait
This new history of Uganda is a must-read Laura Seay - August 17, 2018 [caption id="attachment_76401" align="aligncenter" width="180"] Cambridge University Press[/caption] Every January, I
Here’s what it means to be Somali in Kenya Kim Yi Dionne - August 3, 2018 [caption id="attachment_76350" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Residents of Eastleigh, a Nairobi neighborhood
There’s been a historic shift in Ethiopia-Eritrea relations, and this new book explores the countries’ rebellions Kim Yi Dionne - July 20, 2018 [caption id="attachment_75980" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Relatives embrace after meeting at Asmara
Support for democracy is declining — but not in the U.S. or other Western democracies Christopher Claassen - July 5, 2018 [caption id="attachment_75335" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Voting signs at the Marie H
Should the U.S. worry about meddling in Mexico’s July presidential race? Gustavo Flores-Macías - May 29, 2018 [caption id="attachment_73758" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Andrés Manuel López Obrador, presidential candidate
Burundi votes tomorrow on controversial constitutional amendments. A lot is at stake. Yolande Bouka and Sarah Jackson - May 16, 2018 [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Burundi soldiers and police in the
In Africa, presidential term limits are working Alexander Noyes - April 24, 2018 [caption id="attachment_68543" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Departing President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf arrives for
Cape Town still has water — for now. This may take political solutions as well as technical fixes. Lauren MacLean, Jennifer Brass, Elizabeth Baldwin, and Christopher Gore - April 23, 2018 [caption id="attachment_72563" align="aligncenter" width="960"] People refill water bottles at the
Africa’s big new free trade agreement, explained Landry Signé - March 29, 2018 [caption id="attachment_71592" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Rwandan President Paul Kagame, chairman of
How the U.S. can prepare for a major election hack Michael Miller - March 15, 2018 [caption id="attachment_70551" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A New York Board of Elections