This episode explores how the legacies of European colonialism in Africa impact the success of democratization today. How do international organizations play a role in declining support for democratic politics in parts of Africa? And how can a reliance on donors hinder the emergence of viable democratic structures? Finally, tune in to hear about the nexus between climate change and the demographic challenges faced by Africa.
Guest featured in this episode:
Michael Woldemariam is an Associate Professor in the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Senior Fellow at the Center for International and Security Studies. He has held fellowships from prestigious institutions including the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and the African Research Center at Penn State University. In 2020–21, he brought his expertise to the Democratic staff at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee through a fellowship from the Council on Foreign Relations.
With a primary focus on African security studies, Woldemariam’s research centers on the Horn of Africa. He is actively engaged in consulting with various international organizations on the politics and security dynamics of the region. His scholarly contributions span across academic journals such as “Contemporary Security Policy” and “Studies in Conflict and Terrorism”, as well as prominent outlets like “Foreign Affairs” and “Foreign Policy”.
In 2018, Cambridge University Press published his book, “Insurgent Fragmentation in the Horn of Africa: Rebellion and Its Discontents”, which has received acclaim for its insightful analysis of regional complexities.
