Professional Bio

Kidane Mengisteab is Professor of African Studies and Political Science at the Pennsylvania State University. The focus of his current research includes the relevance of ‘traditional’ institutions in Africa’s governance; the socioeconomic implications of the expansion of extractive industries and commercial farming in Africa; and alternative approaches to democratization in the African continent. He is author or editor of several books on Africa. His most recent book is titled The Horn of Africa: Hot Spots in Global Politics: London: Polity Press, 2015. Mengisteab’s co-edited book, ‘Traditional Institutions in Contemporary African Governance’ is in press and he is currently working on a book, titled Alternative Approaches to Democratization in Africa.

Ph.D., International Studies, University of Denver

M.A. International Studies, University of Denver and Carleton University,