How does populism manifest itself in sub-Saharan Africa in comparison to other regions? As part of a special live episode with a class at the University of San Francisco, Judd Devermont is joined by Kathleen Klaus (University of San Francisco), Chiponda Chimbelu (Deutsche Welle), and Danielle Resnick (International Food Policy Research Institute) to discuss factors that enable populist leaders to gain political sway in Africa. Guests also unpack the strengths and weaknesses of Kenya’s Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) and discuss Zambian President Edgar Lungu’s decision to run for a “third term,” as well as what it means for the democratic trajectory of the country.  

Background Readings:

Political Violence in Kenya: Land, Elections, and Claim-Making – Kathleen Klaus 

There’s a long, troubling history behind the Capitol attack – Kathleen Klaus and Aditia Malik 

Africa and the Biden Administration’s Summit for Democracy – Judd Devermont 

Populism in Africa, The Oxford Handbook of Populism – Danielle Resnick