Julia Leininger (GDI): A Strong Norm for Democratic Governance in Africa. Drew Hinshaw and Patrick McGroarty on the return of Africa’s strongmen: Despite two decades of elections and growth, democracy has stalled, militaries are resurgent, and autocrats are in control. Omar Garcia-Ponce (NYU) and Benjamin Pasquale (USC): How Political Repression Shapes Attitudes Toward the State. Alfreda Nwosu (Hood): The Product of a Failed State: Boko Haram, on the Verge of Transnationalization? The art of creating a state: Why exactly did “jihadist groups” suddenly flock to northern Mali, forcing, according to reports from several human rights groups, an ultra-rigid interpretation of Islam upon its population? Erica Vásquez on the roots of conflict: From settler-colonialism to military occupation in the Western Sahara (and part 2). Marcus Goncalves on how poverty in Africa is now by choice: Countries throughout the world grew their economies and developed faster when their leaders made sound decisions based on national interest. What are the political, economic, social and security implications of the Ebola crisis, with a particular focus on Sierra Leone? Brigitte Rohwerder investigates. What’s the matter boss, we sick? Adia Benton on how centuries of colonial domination have the leaders of Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea more focused on not exporting Ebola than on curing it within their borders.
