Shows
CounterpointIs Western Aid Helping or Harming Africa?The Trump administration has moved quickly to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which oversees U.S. aid around the world, with major repercussions for food supplies, child poverty, pandemic prevention, and much more. The decision has hit Africa particularly hard. African countries were getting about about 30 percent of U.S. foreign aid annually.
While many people in Africa are deeply worried about the cuts, some are wondering if the end of USAID might present an opportunity for the continent.
Welcome to Counterpoint. Each week, we look at one pressing question facing world lead...2025-05-0737 min
Our Long WalkLeadership, legacies, and the politics of change with Ken OpaloWhat role do African parliaments play in shaping governance? How do historical legacies affect contemporary political systems, and why does foreign aid often fail to build stronger local institutions? Johan Fourie and Jonathan Schoots discuss these questions - and many more - with Ken Opalo, Associate Professor at Georgetown University and author of the popular blog, An Africanist Perspective.
Several of Ken’s academic papers and blog posts are mentioned in this episode: a chapter on the political economy of aid in Africa, a paper on clientalism in Kenya, and blog posts on two ideas...2024-10-1640 min
Ufahamu AfricaGood Authority: Don’t Call it a “Coup Epidemic” in AfricaIn the last few years, militaries have carried out coups in numerous African countries, including Gabon, Niger, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Guinea, Chad, and Mali. Does this signify the beginning of a much broader continent-wide “coup epidemic?” Or are these coups mostly affecting especially weak states that face specific challenges? Where is democratic resilience strong and where is there a risk of continued democratic backsliding?Today's episode is borrowed from Good Authority and their new podcast! The episode features Good Authority’s Africa experts Ken Opalo and Kim Yi Dionne who discuss these issues. Opalo is an associate profes...2024-05-0438 min
Good AuthorityDon’t call it a “coup epidemic” in AfricaIn the last few years, militaries have carried out coups in numerous African countries, including Gabon, Niger, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Guinea, Chad and Mali. Does this signify the beginning of a much broader continent wide “coup epidemic?” Or are these coups mostly affecting especially weak states that face specific challenges? Where is democratic resilience strong and where is there a risk of continued democratic backsliding?
A Good Chat on Africa
Good Authority’s Africa experts Ken Opalo and our editor-in-chief Kim Yi Dionne joined me to discuss these issues. Ken is an associate profess...2024-04-2937 min
Diplomatic ImmunityDr. Ken Opalo on Sudan's Civil War; Updates on Gaza and Haiti10:25 - Interview with Dr. Ken Opalo This week, Kelly and Freddie provide updates on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the evolving crisis in Haiti, and Kelly talks with Georgetown Professor Ken Opalo for a deep dive into Sudan's civil war. Dr. Opalo is an associate professor at the Georgetown University Walsh School of Foreign Service, where he focuses his research and teaching on political economy in Africa. He is also the author of the blog An Africanist Perspective, where he writes on African politics, economics, and history. https://www.africanistperspective.com/ 2024-03-2131 min
Into AfricaNine Coups in Three YearsBurkina Faso (twice). Chad. Gabon. Guinea. Mali (twice). Niger. Sudan. The recent spate in coups has forced many to pause and ask difficult questions. Has democracy failed? Why do a minority of citizens support or tolerate military rule, and what does this backing say about the ineffectiveness of their previous governments?Kamissa Camara, Senior Advisor for Africa at the U.S. Institute of Peace and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mali, and Ken Opalo, Associate Professor in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University join Mvemba. They unpack the structural challenges enabling coups, the failure...2023-09-2137 minInto AfricaNine Coups in Three YearsBurkina Faso (twice). Chad. Gabon. Guinea. Mali (twice). Niger. Sudan. The recent spate in coups has forced many to pause and ask difficult questions. Has democracy failed? Why do a minority of citizens support or tolerate military rule, and what does this backing say about the ineffectiveness of their previous governments?Kamissa Camara, Senior Advisor for Africa at the U.S. Institute of Peace and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mali, and Ken Opalo, Associate Professor in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University join Mvemba. They unpack the structural challenges enabling coups, the failure...2023-09-2137 min
The KenyanistThe Politics of Kenya’s Cost of Living CrisisIn this episode, Dr. Ken Opalo, a Georgetown University Professor provides a comprehensive analysis of Kenya's cost-of-living crisis. We unpack the underlying factors, assess government responses, and examine potential outcomes of current economic policies aimed at easing the cost of living.
On the political front, blame games persist, with the opposition (Azimio) pointing fingers at the government. The Kenya Kwanza government on the other hand blames the global economic environment and the previous regime.
We also delve into Kenya Kwanza's fiscal policies, which prioritize a populist agenda under the...2023-09-1940 min
IMF PodcastsAbebe Aemro Selassie and Ken Opalo on Making Reforms Stick in AfricaAs global economic uncertainty surges, Sub-Saharan Africa faces a host of challenges that will require effective policy responses if it is to regain the ground it lost during the pandemic. But what does it take to design and implement successful policy reforms? In this podcast, IMF African Department head Abebe Aemro Selassie and Georgetown University’s Ken Opalo discuss why some reforms work and others do not. This conversation is part of a series of talks hosted by the IMF African Department called Africa Perspectives. Watch the webcast: www.imf.org/en/News/Seminars/Conferences/2022/06/10/africa-speaker-series#2023-03-3039 min
Democracy in Question?Ken Opalo on the Prospects of Democracy in AfricaDemocracy in Question? is brought to you by:• Central European University: CEU• The Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy in Geneva: AHCD• The Podcast Company: Novel Follow us on social media!• Central European University: @CEU• Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy in Geneva: @AHDCentreSubscribe to the show. If you enjoyed what you listened to, you can support us by leaving a review and sharing our podcast in your networks! DiQ S6 EP4Ken Opalo on the Prospects of Democra...2023-03-0139 min
The China Africa ProjectA New Era of U.S. and Chinese Engagement in Africa is Now UnderwayThis was a big week for both the U.S. and China in Africa as both major powers' new, more robust engagement strategies were on full display. For the U.S., two cabinet secretaries toured the region this week, while Chinese officials in several African countries were on hand to commission a suite of large infrastructure projects.
Ken Opalo, an assistant professor at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service, joins Eric & Cobus from Washington to discuss how the heightened activity from both the U.S. and China indicates an important evolution of their foreign policies towards the continent.
SHOW NOTES:
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The China in Africa PodcastA New Era of U.S. and Chinese Engagement in Africa is Now UnderwayThis was a big week for both the U.S. and China in Africa as both major powers' new, more robust engagement strategies were on full display. For the U.S., two cabinet secretaries toured the region this week, while Chinese officials in several African countries were on hand to commission a suite of large infrastructure projects. Ken Opalo, an assistant professor at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service, joins Eric & Cobus from Washington to discuss how the heightened activity from both the U.S. and China indicates an important evolution of their foreign policies towards the...2023-01-271h 00
The Mwango Capital PodcastEpisode 39: SubsidiesIn this episode hosted by Ramah Nyang, we are joined by Prof. XN Iraki - Economist at the University of Nairobi, Dr Lucy Muthoni - Mathematics and Actuarial Science Senior Lecturer at Strathmore University, Dickson Magecha - Executive Director, Africa FX Trading at Standard Chartered Bank DIFC, and Ken Opalo - Political Scientist at Georgetown University's Walsh School of Foreign Service to discuss subsidies and their effectiveness.Subscribe to get notified when we make a new post.Show Notes00:01:40 What are subsidies?00:04:01 Effectiveness of subsidies00:09:14 Govt’s resistance to cu...2022-10-041h 39
Into AfricaPublic Institutions are the Backbone of DemocracyKen Opalo (Georgetown) joins Mvemba to discuss the strength of public institutions across Africa. How do parliaments, courts, executive offices, and militaries impact the quality of governance? Ken and Mvemba focus on Malawi, Kenya, and Benin with implications for the rest of the region. Plus, Ken’s thoughts on localization of development funding and how U.S. policymakers should think different around enabling environments when it comes to foreign direct investment.2022-04-1434 minInto AfricaPublic Institutions are the Backbone of DemocracyKen Opalo (Georgetown) joins Mvemba to discuss the strength of public institutions across Africa. How do parliaments, courts, executive offices, and militaries impact the quality of governance? Ken and Mvemba focus on Malawi, Kenya, and Benin with implications for the rest of the region. Plus, Ken’s thoughts on localization of development funding and how U.S. policymakers should think different around enabling environments when it comes to foreign direct investment.2022-04-1434 min
49Kenya with Ken OpaloKen Opalo (Georgetown University) joins Judd and Nicole to discuss what the Biden administration strategy should be toward Kenya, recommending “trade, trade, and more trade.” He suggests that the Biden administration think beyond the bilateral U.S.-Kenya Free Trade Agreement (FTA) floated under the Trump administration and consider a regional trade agreement with the East African Community (EAC) that fits within the continent-wide African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement. Plus, we hear about the future of Kenyan athletic excellence beyond running: Kenyan rugby!2022-03-1813 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 133: A conversation with Naunihal Singh about coupsCoups are on our minds this week, especially with recent events in Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau. Kim and Rachel talk about their own views on "coup contagion" and how their perspectives have changed over time. Then, Kim talks to coup expert Naunihal Singh, who breaks down what coups are, shares how he began studying them, and what we should know about what's happening on the continent now. Books, Links, & ArticlesSeizing Power: The Strategic Logic of Military Coups by Naunihal Singh"Burkina Faso's Coup Makers Capitalized on Wider Grievances within Ranks" by...2022-02-051h 12
The KenyanistFinancing Development at the grassroots: From Harambee to CDFShow notes
In this episode, Kamau Wairuri hosts Ken Opalo to discuss the financing of development at the grassroots in Kenya. Ken is an Assistant Professor in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University at Washington DC (USA). See Ken’s Profile here.
They discuss the nature and impact of the Harambee System in the post-colonial period in Kenya. The opposition of parliamentarians to Harambee, which became very expensive for them, led the MPs in the 9th parliament to establish the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), through which 2.5% of the national budget would be allocated to th...2022-02-0257 min
IMF PodcastsKen Opalo: Democratizing Public Finance in AfricaSpending public funds efficiently and effectively is a challenge for governments around the world, but weak public finance management systems are holding back growth and development in Africa. Ken Opalo studies African legislatures and policymaking at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. In this podcast, Opalo says public spending does not adequately reflect taxpayers' priorities in many African countries because elected officials are often left out of the budget process. Transcript: https://bit.ly/3K0Sq3r2022-01-1118 min
Scope Conditions PodcastHow Strong Legislatures Emerge, with Ken OpaloIn this episode, we talk about how strong legislatures emerge. When we think about what makes a political system a democracy, we usually think of one key ingredient as being an elected legislature that can constrain the executive: an elected assembly that serves as a check on executive whim and has the ultimate say on core matters of public policy. But where do strong legislatures come from? As political scientists, we commonly tell ourselves an origin story -- first set out by Douglass North and Barry Weingast -- about the emergence of parliamentary strength in 17th century...2021-01-0457 min
The Dickens Olewe podcastAfrica's lows and highs in 2020 & the promise of the new yearThe Covid-19 crisis has been the big story of 2020 but how has Africa handled the pandemic, and amid the serious set backs have there also been some digital and technical gains?
What opportunities will the African Continental Free Trade Area bring after it comes into effect in January 2021?
How can Africa take charge of its own climate change policies?
And is the continent ready for the fourth Industrial Revolution?
These are some of the questions that the guest panel of Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Rebecca Enonchong, Professor Ken Opalo and Professor Landry Signé address with presenter Dickens Olewe as they look b...2021-01-0139 min
Focus on Africa2020 Review: How has Africa handled the big challenges?The Covid-19 crisis has been the big story of 2020 but how has Africa handled the pandemic, and amid the serious set backs have there also been some digital and technical gains? What opportunities will the African Continental Free Trade Area bring after it comes into effect in January 2021? How can Africa take charge of its own climate change policies? And is the continent ready for the fourth Industrial Revolution?These are some of the questions that the guest panel of Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Rebecca Enonchong, Professor Ken Opalo and Professor Landry...2020-12-3139 min
Chudi's podcast2020 Review: How has Africa handled the big challenges?The Covid-19 crisis has been the big story of 2020 but how has Africa handled the pandemic, and amid the serious set backs have there also been some digital and technical gains? What opportunities will the African Continental Free Trade Area bring after it comes into effect in January 2021? How can Africa take charge of its own climate change policies? And is the continent ready for the fourth Industrial Revolution?These are some of the questions that the guest panel of Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Rebecca Enonchong, Professor Ken Opalo and Professor Landry Signé address with presenter Dickens Olewe as they look b...2020-12-3139 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 97: A conversation with Lina Benabdallah on the link between China and AfricaPresidential elections are happening in multiple African countries, where we're seeing constitutional changes that allow presidents to seek third terms. Kim and Rachel also talk about the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Nigeria, the politics of education access, and a new report on migration in Africa. This week's interview features Lina Benabdallah—an expert on China-Africa relations—and the links between China and Africa (plus, her new book!). Books, Links, & ArticlesShaping the Future of Power: Knowledge Production and Network-Building in China-Africa Relations by Lina BenabdallahA Sensational Encounter with High Socialist China by Paul G. P...2020-10-1740 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 96: A conversation with Yonatan Morse about the 3 crises in CameroonYonatan Morse, assistant professor of political science at the University of Connecticut, says that there have been three crises occurring in Cameroon over the last few years. He discusses them with Kim in this week's interview. In the news: 400,000 people have not been able to register to vote in Burkina Faso, the world is watching the U.S. election, and more! Books, Links, & ArticlesHow Autocrats Compete: Parties, Patrons, and Unfair Elections in Africa by Yonatan MorseSocial Policy Expansion in Latin America by Candelaria GarayEnvy in Politics by Gwyneth H. McClendonDemocracy in Ghana: Everyday...2020-10-1022 min
In Pursuit of DevelopmentLegislative development in Africa — Ken Ochieng' OpaloStudying the role of institutions and their evolution often helps us better understand political and economic development in countries all over the world. And one such key institution is the legislature, which plays a critical role in democratic consolidation by providing a stable system of horizontal accountability. Legislatures craft legislation, pass laws, exercise oversight of the executive branch and thereby provide the institutional mechanism which allows societies to perform representative governance on a daily basis. Individual legislators articulate competing interests and try to influence the policymaking process. They also perform an important function – that of constituency service, i.e. th...2020-09-231h 03
New Books in African StudiesKen O. Opalo, "Legislative Development in Africa: Politics and Postcolonial Legacies" (Cambridge UP, 2019)Legislative Development in Africa: Politics and Postcolonial Legacies (Cambridge University Press, 2019) examines the development of African legislatures from their colonial origins through independence, autocracy and the transition to multi-party rule.In it, Ken Ochieng’ Opalo seeks to explain the different trajectories that African legislatures have taken, why some have become stronger than others, and what are the conditions that allow for democratic institutions to emerge from an autocratic system.The book combines a broad historical analysis of legislatures throughout Africa with the comparative case studies of Kenya and Zambia. It employs both quantitative and qualitative da...2020-06-191h 13
Exchanges: A Cambridge UP PodcastKen O. Opalo, "Legislative Development in Africa: Politics and Postcolonial Legacies" (Cambridge UP, 2019)Legislative Development in Africa: Politics and Postcolonial Legacies (Cambridge University Press, 2019) examines the development of African legislatures from their colonial origins through independence, autocracy and the transition to multi-party rule.In it, Ken Ochieng’ Opalo seeks to explain the different trajectories that African legislatures have taken, why some have become stronger than others, and what are the conditions that allow for democratic institutions to emerge from an autocratic system.The book combines a broad historical analysis of legislatures throughout Africa with the comparative case studies of Kenya and Zambia. It employs both quantitative and qualitative da...2020-06-191h 13
New Books in LawKen O. Opalo, "Legislative Development in Africa: Politics and Postcolonial Legacies" (Cambridge UP, 2019)Legislative Development in Africa: Politics and Postcolonial Legacies (Cambridge University Press, 2019) examines the development of African legislatures from their colonial origins through independence, autocracy and the transition to multi-party rule.In it, Ken Ochieng’ Opalo seeks to explain the different trajectories that African legislatures have taken, why some have become stronger than others, and what are the conditions that allow for democratic institutions to emerge from an autocratic system.The book combines a broad historical analysis of legislatures throughout Africa with the comparative case studies of Kenya and Zambia. It employs both quantitative and qualitative data to support the argument th...2020-06-191h 13
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 93: A conversation with Kim Yi Dionne and Ken Opalo about the politics and policy of the COVID-19 pandemic and moreThis week’s news wrap featured discussions about recent election updates in Burundi and Benin, leadership changes in Lesotho, and more news regarding summer bonus content! In this episode, we highlight a panel discussion from an event with the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Our very own cohost, Kim Yi Dionne, was a part … More Ep. 93: A conversation with Kim Yi Dionne and Ken Opalo about the politics and policy of the COVID-19 pandemic and more2020-05-301h 22
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 93: A conversation with Kim Yi Dionne and Ken Opalo about the politics and policy of the COVID-19 pandemic and moreThis week's news wrap featured discussions about recent election updates in Burundi and Benin, leadership changes in Lesotho, and more news regarding summer bonus content!In this episode, we highlight a panel discussion from an event with the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Our very own cohost, Kim Yi Dionne, was a part of the panel, along side a familiar face, or we should say voice, to our Ufahamu Africa community — Ken Opalo. Peter Lewis moderated the panel. Peter Lewis is the Warren Weinstein Chair of African Studies and the director of Africa and...2020-05-301h 22
Into AfricaBringing African Legislatures Back InHow have African legislatures evolved and how do they shape political competition across the continent? Ken Opalo (Georgetown University), Janette Yarwood (U.S. House of Representatives), and Tyler Beckelman (U.S. Institute of Peace) sat down with Judd Devermont to explore new approaches to strengthening legislative institutions. Guests also weigh in on the agenda behind Kenya’s Building Bridges Initiative and the ongoing Anglophone conflict in Cameroon.Background Reading:
Legislative Development in Africa: Politics and Postcolonial Legacies by Ken Opalo
Cameroon Must Make Concessions to End the Anglophone Crisis by Ken Opalo and Claire Hazbun
Congressional Lett...2020-02-0630 minInto AfricaBringing African Legislatures Back InHow have African legislatures evolved and how do they shape political competition across the continent? Ken Opalo (Georgetown University), Janette Yarwood (U.S. House of Representatives), and Tyler Beckelman (U.S. Institute of Peace) sat down with Judd Devermont to explore new approaches to strengthening legislative institutions. Guests also weigh in on the agenda behind Kenya’s Building Bridges Initiative and the ongoing Anglophone conflict in Cameroon.Background Reading:
Legislative Development in Africa: Politics and Postcolonial Legacies by Ken Opalo
Cameroon Must Make Concessions to End the Anglophone Crisis by Ken Opalo and Claire Hazbun
Congressional Lett...2020-02-0630 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 79: A conversation with Ken Opalo about political institutions, public goods, and moreIn the news wrap this week, we talk about Nigeria fact-checking, Botswana's elections, terrorist attacks in West Africa, and more. This week's featured conversation is with Ken Opalo (@kopalo), an Assistant Professor at the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. He talks about his newly published book, Legislative Development in Africa: Politics and Postcolonial Legacies. Long-time listeners might recall that Ken was on the show back in 2017, ahead of the Kenyan elections. Have a listen to Rachel’s conversation with Ken about his book and about his next project, which examines government provision of public goods, li...2019-11-1050 min
ROCKING OUR PRIORSNorms, state capacity, & elections: Dr Ken Opalo & Dr Dan HonigIt's a coup!
Ken Opalo and Dan Honig - Assistant Professors of International Development - have seized my podcast!
They discuss brilliant new work by Dr George Kwaku Ofosu, Postdoctoral Research Associate at Washington University in St Louis: "Do Fairer Elections Increase the Responsiveness of Politicians?", forthcoming in the American Political Science Review.
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/american-political-science-review/article/do-fairer-elections-increase-the-responsiveness-of-politicians/26AA077459ACA822C4E20A9903E64691#.XVbd_1sosiQ.twitter. Read more about his work here: https://www.georgeofosu.com/
And Tugba Bozcaga, PhD candidate at MIT. Read her paper here: https://t.co/ruc5W88M5s?amp=1...2019-09-011h 21
ROCKING OUR PRIORS'Legislative Development in Africa': Dr Ken OpaloWhy are some (but not other) African countries democratising?
Why have we overlooked legislatures in African politics?
How can they be strengthened?
What can you do if gatekeepers dismiss your topic?
To discuss these questions, I'm joined by Dr Ken Opalo (Assistant Professor at Georgetown University). You can pre-order his book here: https://www.cambridge.org/gb/academic/subjects/politics-international-relations/african-government-politics-and-policy/legislative-development-africa-politics-and-post-colonial-legacies?format=HB2019-02-2751 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 23: A conversation with Dr. Ken Opalo on the Kenyan electionsIn this week’s episode, we speak with Dr. Kennedy Opalo (@kopalo), an assistant professor at Georgetown University’s Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service. His research focuses on the political economy of development, legislative development, and electoral politics in emerging democracies. Ken blogs regularly at his blog, An Africanist Perspective, and currently is writing a weekly column for Kenya’s major daily newspaper The Standard. We talk this week about the upcoming Kenyan elections. Our conversation begins at 3:51.Our featured song this week is "Winning in Life" by the Kenyan group Just a Band. Find them o...2017-06-1725 min