Don’t call it a “coup epidemic” in Africa 🎧 Erik Voeten, Kim Yi Dionne, and Ken Opalo - April 29, 2024 Experts unpack Africa's recent coups and democratic resilience.
Music to get in the mood for learning African politics ▶️ Kim Yi Dionne - January 4, 2024 Another good playlist!
What didn’t happen in the world in 2023 🎧 Erik Voeten, Elizabeth N. Saunders, and Kim Yi Dionne - December 27, 2023 Good Authority editors discuss what could have but didn't happen in world politics in 2023.
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.
How should we think about a mass exodus of Palestinians from Gaza? Elizabeth N. Saunders and Kelly M. Greenhill - October 20, 2023 Governments and non-state actors use mass migration as a tool of war.
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 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?
In the Middle East and North Africa, people are worrying about food Michael Robbins and Amaney Jamal - October 6, 2022 Five things to know from Arab Barometer’s latest survey
Sri Lanka’s multiple crises just came to a head Zachariah Mampilly and Fathima Cader - July 22, 2022 The pandemic and past war debts have left the economy in tatters
Sudan’s leader says the military will step aside. That’s not likely. Salah Ben Hammou - July 7, 2022 Eight months after Sudan’s military coup, what happens now?
Can Africa ‘leapfrog’ the traditional electricity model? Kangwook Han and Carolyn Logan - April 21, 2022 Slow progress on national power grids leaves many households looking to off-grid sources
The U.K. wants to send refugees to Rwanda. That’s become a trend. Beatty Riedl, Eleanor Paynter, and Christa Kuntzelman - April 20, 2022 Similar plans in other countries suggest the U.K. program will endanger migrants, not protect them.
How this wave of African coups differs from previous ones Maggie Dwyer and Erica De Bruin - February 25, 2022 To maintain power, military leaders are likely to turn to elections
Africa has had eight coup attempts in recent months. What’s behind the ‘coup epidemic’? Kristen A. Harkness - February 8, 2022 How leaders consolidate their power helps explain why soldiers depose governments.
Is Africa losing ground in the battle for water and sanitation? Daniel Armah-Attoh - January 27, 2022 Afrobarometer surveys show citizens expect their governments to do more
Sudan’s civilian leader resigned. Now the military has sole control of the government. Gerrit Kurtz - January 10, 2022 The October coup is faltering — here’s why
Would Americans ever support a coup? 40 percent now say yes. Noam Lupu, Luke Plutowski, and Elizabeth Zechmeister - January 3, 2022 That percentage jumped significantly since 2017 and includes more than half the Republicans we surveyed.
In Ethiopia’s civil war, violence against civilians is eroding support for the government Claire Wilmot - December 17, 2021 Minority groups like the Qemant are caught between competing visions of the country’s future
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
Are coups really contagious? Salah Ben Hammou and Jonathan Powell - November 21, 2021 The international reaction to a coup attempt may matter more than you think
Some Africans — but not all — are happy with the quality of their elections Fredline M'Cormack-Hale and Carolyn Logan - November 12, 2021 The fourth in Afrobarometer’s special democracy summit series on Africa.
Sudan’s military has seized control. Will pro-democracy protests continue? Jeffrey Sachs - October 26, 2021 The military disbanded the joint council that has been overseeing the transition to democracy.
Sudan’s military coup seems to be supported by some civilian politicians. That’s happened before. Salah Ben Hammou - October 24, 2021 The military has now dissolved the joint civilian-military government.
Do Africans want democracy — and do they think they’re getting it? Joseph Asunka and E. Gyimah-Boadi - October 21, 2021 The first in Afrobarometer’s special African democracy summit series.
African citizens support their governments’ pandemic responses — mostly. They’re not sure about the vaccines. Josephine Appiah-Nyamekye Sanny - August 26, 2021 The latest Afrobarometer surveys could help government messaging on fighting the delta variant
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
A Florida security company is entangled in the assassination of Haiti’s president. How is that possible? Deborah Avant - July 19, 2021 An increasing number of clients and providers in the private security market are dodging the rules
What would bring stability after the death of Chad’s president? Daniel Eizenga - June 1, 2021 Neighboring countries have successfully managed political change without the military stepping in
Chad’s president lived and died by the gun. Will the country shift away from militarized rule? Marielle Debos - May 7, 2021 Chad has a long history of armed conflicts. That doesn’t mean it’s a country of warriors.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative invests in African infrastructure — and African military and police forces Natalie Herbert - April 29, 2021 China is looking to protect its economic investments and build its reputation as a world power
Biden reversed Trump’s sanctions on International Criminal Court officials. What happens now? Kyle Rapp and Kelebogile Zvobgo - April 4, 2021 Past U.S. administrations supported the court’s work — when it aligned with U.S. interests
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
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
Are African governments doing enough to help young people? Here’s what Afrobarometer surveys reveal. Sadhiska Bhoojedhur, Ousmane Djiby Sambou, and Gildfred Asiamah - January 14, 2021 Job creation is citizens’ top priority — and they’re willing to pay for it.
The U.S. recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara. Here’s what that means. Jacob Mundy - December 11, 2020 The Trump administration’s move could complicate efforts to resolve a long-standing territorial conflict.
In dozens of countries, governments rely on Internet shutdowns to hide repression Sophie Dyer, Likhita Banerji, and Anita R. Gohdes - December 3, 2020 Social media rhetoric from politicians, citizens and others helped influence political moves
Why Ethiopia’s conflict could spill beyond its borders David Kampf - November 30, 2020 Civil wars rarely remain purely domestic affairs
Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict reflects unresolved ethnic tensions Safia Farole - November 24, 2020 Regional self-government rights are being tested
Ethiopia’s cracking down in Tigray. But activists are spreading the news. Claire Wilmot - November 17, 2020 When the government shut down the Internet, new Twitter accounts filled the information void.
A covid-19 vaccine might be tough to distribute in countries at war Jori Breslawski - November 12, 2020 Misinformation is just one of the challenges
How women helped rally mass protests against Nigeria’s police corruption Elor Nkereuwem and Chiedo Nwankwor - November 3, 2020 Too many people ignore African women’s political agency
Sudan’s government seems to be shifting away from Islamic law. Not everyone supports these moves. Michael Robbins and Lawrence Rubin - August 26, 2020 A survey conducted by Arab Barometer reveals some surprises.
The military is making changes in response to Black Lives Matter protests. That’s good for fighting wars. Jason Lyall - July 27, 2020 New research looks at ethnic and racial inequalities in armies across 250 different wars
How will China respond when low-income countries can’t pay their debts? Scott Wingo - June 30, 2020 Expect to see some leeway — but probably not forgiveness
The U.N. has appealed for a global coronavirus cease-fire Govinda Clayton - April 12, 2020 But is it possible to quarantine conflict?
The U.S. hasn’t signed the world’s foremost women’s rights treaty. Activists have gotten local versions passed instead. Heidi Haddad - March 7, 2020 These aren’t just symbolic laws. They affect women’s lives.
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.
Sudan’s military shut down a mutiny. What does that mean for the democratic transition? Jean-Baptiste Gallopin - January 19, 2020 Dismantling the former security services won’t be easy
Expect a tumultuous 2020 in the Middle East Marc Lynch - December 31, 2019 The embassy assault in Baghdad is just the beginning. Here are 3 trends to watch.
Looking back at the Middle East’s 2019: Surprises from Trump, Saudi power moves, protests and more Stephanie Dahle - December 29, 2019 Here are 5 takeaways.
International troops are leaving Yemen. Here’s what will help bring peace. Alexandra Stark - December 12, 2019 Here’s how mediation from other countries can end civil wars.
Russia wants more influence in Africa. It’s using disinformation to get there. Shelby Grossman - December 2, 2019 Facebook says the oligarch behind the Internet Research Agency is involved.
Don’t want to discuss Trump or impeachment at Thanksgiving? Try this instead. Vanessa Lide and E.J. Graff - November 26, 2019 Dazzle (or distract) the table with what else has been happening while they weren’t looking.
This may be the largest wave of nonviolent mass movements in world history. What comes next? Zoe Marks, Tore Wig, Sirianne Dahlum, Sooyeon Kang, Erica Chenoweth, and Christopher Wiley Shay - November 14, 2019 Social media has made mass protests easier to organize — but, perhaps paradoxically, harder to resolve.
No, the Trump impeachment inquiry is not a coup Joseph Wright, John Chin, and David Carter - October 15, 2019 There were four coups attempted in 2019. Trump supported one of them.
World leaders are gathering at the U.N. Yes, U.S. sanctions can make this complicated. David Bosco - September 19, 2019 Travel restrictions are a popular way to punish foreign leaders.
African dictators have been losing power — some to democratic governments. Militaries can tip the scales toward democracy. Nathaniel Allen and Alexander Noyes - September 15, 2019 These five factors make the difference between militaries that support autocracy and those that allow free elections.
In 2011, Egyptians quickly tired of protest. Here’s why that matters for Sudan and Algeria. Thoraya El-Rayyes and Neil Ketchley - September 4, 2019 New research suggests demonstrations eroded popular support for democracy during the Arab Spring
How Algeria’s military rules the country Dalia Ghanem - August 7, 2019 And why that’s unlikely to change — despite protests.
Oil probably won’t cause a war with Iran, but it certainly adds fuel to the blaze Jeff Colgan - July 20, 2019 Tensions are high, and liquid natural gas tankers are vulnerable to attack.
‘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.
After another attempted coup, what’s next for Sudan? Richmond Danso - July 12, 2019 The power-sharing agreement between the military and opposition groups faces new challenges.
New Afrobarometer data shows Africans want elections — especially if they bring change at the top Sadhiska Bhoojedhur and Michael Bratton - July 9, 2019 That’s what Sudan’s protesters are risking their lives for. They’re not alone in their demands.
Constitutional reform is important in Algeria and Sudan. Here’s why. Al Ali - June 26, 2019 Protesters are demanding change in Sudan and Algeria. But what are the prospects for meaningful reform?
Dangerous skin bleaching has become a public health crisis. Corporate marketing lies behind it. Ramya Vijaya - June 13, 2019 As a result, when African nations ban bleaching products, the bans will probably backfire
To end mass protests, Sudan has cut off Internet access nationwide. Here’s why. Steven Feldstein - June 13, 2019 It’s a very costly strategy.
Why the Tunisian military ignored orders and sided with protesters Sharan Grewal - May 20, 2019 Interviews with retired senior officers point to two critical factors.
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.
No, China and the U.S. aren’t locked in an ideological battle. Not even close. Jessica Chen Weiss - May 4, 2019 Here are 3 things wrong with imagining we’re in a “clash of civilizations”
How will the African Union respond to the military overthrow in Sudan? Emmanuel Balogun and Anna Mwaba - April 24, 2019 It has not responded consistently to unconstitutional changes in government.
Sudan’s upheaval is the latest example of a ‘gray-zone coup’ Nandita Balakrishnan - April 17, 2019 Autocrats learned “coup-proofing” — and militaries learned negotiating.
Generals overthrew Sudan’s president, Bashir, but they can’t agree on what comes next Naunihal Singh - April 15, 2019 Demonstrators march with national flags during a rally demanding a
Sudan ousted two autocrats in three days. Here’s what’s next. Mai Hassan and Ahmed Kodouda - April 15, 2019 Protesters want a civilian transition government. That hasn’t happened.
Protests in Sudan are escalating. Here’s what you need to know. Jean-Baptiste Gallopin - April 10, 2019 As the country marks 100 days of the protest movement, members of Sudan’s armed and security forces face a critical choice: Rebel against their government or stay loyal to the president.
The U.S. revoked the visa for the ICC prosecutor. That bodes poorly for international criminal justice. Judith Kelley - April 8, 2019 If the U.S. doesn’t respect international law, why should other nations?
Sorry, President Trump. Here’s why American Jews aren’t abandoning the Democratic Party. Michael Tesler - March 21, 2019 These three factors mean a “Jexodus” is unlikely any time soon.
Can an increase in repression stop a new series of protests in the Arab world? Adria Lawrence - March 6, 2019 Conditions are ripe for the spread of authoritarian tactics.
Sudan’s unlawful state of emergency Rebecca Hamilton and Nasredeen Abdulbari - March 4, 2019 President Omar al-Bashir declared a year-long state of emergency as protesters in Sudan continue to demand change.
Is the next Arab uprising happening in plain sight? Marc Lynch - February 26, 2019 Popular protests are on the rise across the Middle East again. What does it mean?
How WhatsApp influenced Nigeria’s recent election — and what it taught us about ‘fake news.’ Nic Cheeseman, Jonathan Fisher, Jamie Hitchen, and Idayat Hassan - February 15, 2019 WhatsApp’s use as a tool for political campaigns and sharing
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
Eight years after Egypt’s revolution, here’s what we’ve learned about social media and protest Korhan Koçak and Killian Clarke - January 25, 2019 [caption id="attachment_83047" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Egyptians wave the national flag in
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
Bashar al-Assad’s international rehabilitation has begun Christopher Phillips - January 5, 2019 [caption id="attachment_82196" align="aligncenter" width="960"] In this Sept. 1, 2013, photo,
Recent protests in Sudan are much more than bread riots Zachariah Mampilly and Nisrin Elamin - December 28, 2018 [caption id="attachment_82007" align="aligncenter" width="960"] People chanted slogans during a protest
Here’s what can undermine peacekeeping missions Allard Duursma - December 18, 2018 [caption id="attachment_53427" align="aligncenter" width="960"] U.N. peacekeeping forces patrol during presidential
International peacebuilding really can build peace — but perhaps not how you expect Susanna Campbell - December 11, 2018 [caption id="attachment_73379" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Soldiers and police at the scene
Why the Nobel Peace Prize went to 2 people fighting sexual violence in war Ragnhild Nordås and Elisabeth Wood - October 8, 2018 As Islamic State forces swept through northern Iraq in 2014,
John Bolton attacked the ICC. Cooperating with it might be a better way to protect U.S. interests. Terrence Chapman and Stephen Chaudoin - September 14, 2018 [caption id="attachment_77756" align="aligncenter" width="960"] National security adviser John Bolton criticizes
Privatizing the U.S. effort in Afghanistan seemed a bad idea. Now it’s even worse. Deborah Avant - September 11, 2018 [caption id="attachment_77550" align="aligncenter" width="960"] U.S. troops wait for their helicopter
By ending ‘temporary protected status’ for half a million people, Trump has probably increased illegal migration David Leblang, Ankita Satpathy, Alexa Iadarola, Ben Helms, Kelsey Hunt, Eric Xu, Rebecca Brough, and Mahesh Rao - August 7, 2018 Since taking office, President Trump has shown a firm commitment
Women now make up almost 24 percent of South Africa’s military. Why aren’t they treated equally? Nina Wilén and Lindy Heinecken - August 1, 2018 U.S. Marines in Quantico, Va., on Aug. 2, 2010. (iStock) In
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
The International Criminal Court was established 20 years ago. Here’s how. Heidi Haddad - July 17, 2018 [caption id="attachment_75719" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Congolese warlord Thomas Lubanga hears the
U.N. peacekeeping really can be effective. Here’s how we tabulated this. Lisa Hultman, Håvard Hegre, and Håvard Nygård - June 28, 2018 [caption id="attachment_70668" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A U.N. peacekeeper stands guard as
The Supreme Court’s ‘travel ban’ decision is what you’d expect if this were a normal presidency Andrew Rudalevige - June 27, 2018 [caption id="attachment_75035" align="aligncenter" width="960"] People protest the Supreme Court ruling
Will 2018’s ‘pink wave’ of female candidates make it in Congress? Almost certainly. Here’s how. Pär Zetterberg and Amanda Clayton - May 30, 2018 [caption id="attachment_73900" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Democratic 2nd District House candidate Kara
Trump might be hurting U.S. businesses by leaving so many ambassador posts empty Geoffrey Gertz - May 10, 2018 [caption id="attachment_73126" align="aligncenter" width="960"] German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, right, and
Why has Trump been threatening to attack Syria? (Hint: It’s probably not about Syria.) Carrie Lee - April 13, 2018 [caption id="attachment_72221" align="aligncenter" width="960"] President Trump at a news conference
How to keep armed groups from using land mines Simon Hug, Livia Schubiger, Skrede Gleditsch, and Julian Wucherpfennig - February 28, 2018 [caption id="attachment_69864" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Workers clear a 270,000-square-meter field of