South Sudan, the world’s newest sovereign nation, has had consistent trouble maintaining freedom for its citizens both socially and politically since it achieved independence in 2011. After 50 years …
Media Attack in Namibia: A Symbol of Democratic Erosion by Ebenezer Akomolafe @ University of Memphis
Namibia is one of the youngest democracies in Africa, is also among the top leading countries in terms of freedom of the press since her independent in 1990. During the colonial administration, laws …
ELECTORAL BREAKDOWN IN KENYA: POLITICS OF DYNASTY & ETHNICITY by Grant Beatty @ University of Memphis
In Kenya, violence has again erupted after a second presidential election was held on October 26th, decided once more in favor of incumbent president Uhuru Kenyatta. On November 17, several were …
“Recalibrating” African Militaries: A new democratic hope for Burkina Faso after all? by Bradly Knox @ University of Memphis
From Enigma to a Stigma A column written for Foreign Policy magazine asks, ever so frankly, Why Are Africa’s Militaries So Disappointingly Bad? A variety of explanations could be drafted to explain …
Prolonged State of Emergency Status May Lead to Democratic Backsliding in Mali by Molly Winders @ University of Memphis
Terrorism. This nine-letter word has become common in news stories and political discussions in recent years. For many, the word alone surfaces mental images of the Twin Towers, the Paris attacks, or …
A Democratic Election Without an Opposition Candidate: an Oxymoron? by Laura Stavisky @Boston University
On October 26th, President Uhuru Kenyatta won Kenya’s presidential re-run election with 98% of the vote. This vote came almost three months after the initial vote on August 8th in which Kenyatta won …
Polarization and Executive Aggrandizement in Egypt by Michaela Kollin @ Boston University
In his article in the Journal of Democracy, “Thinking About Hybrid Regimes,” Larry Diamond describes a hybrid regime as a regime that exists in countries that have democratic elections but not civil …
Senegal’s Democratic Façade: How Senegal is not the Example by Zach Witkin @ Brown University
Senegal has been widely regarded in the international community has having one of the most stable democracies in Africa. The 2012 election in which President Macky Sall defeated longtime incumbent …