Poster Session: African Politics: Populism and Privilege in Sub-Saharan Africa

• In Event: Poster Session: African Politics Conference Group; Middle East and North Africa Politics & Human Rights

Session Submission Type: Poster Session

Session Description

Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa transitioned to electoral democracy nearly 30 years ago, yet democratization unevenly and imperfectly ended the privilege and favoritism that benefits some parts of the population at the expense of others. Citizens in other regions have turned to charismatic leaders and populist parties in the face of disillusionment over the failure of democracy to deliver on its promises. To what extent have political and social leaders on the subcontinent used popular disillusionment for political gain and how have citizens responded? We use the rise of populism worldwide to place politics in sub-Saharan Africa in comparative perspective, examining political action through a variety of lenses, including populism, collective action (e.g., strikes, protests, insurgencies), voting behavior, and other forms of participation traditionally conceived of as outside of the state (e.g., civic associations, religious groups, the private sector).

Sub Unit

• DIVISION 53: African Politics Conference Group

Individual Presentations

• Assessment of globalization on Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria and Cameroon - James Jacob, University of Abuja

• Economic Growth in Fluid Polities: Evidence from Africa - Zim Nwokora, Deakin University; Anton Pak, Nazarbayev University; Riccardo Pelizzo, World Bank Institute

• Silence as Security: Adapting to Anti-Immigrant Hostility in South Africa - Marlon Roundtree, University of Southern Mississippi

Discussant

• Jacob S. Lewis Penn State Erie, the Behrend College