Good News for Democracy: Interview with Joseph Asunka

Kellogg's Global Politics

In this episode, Anita interviews Joseph Asunka, the CEO of Afrobarometer, about democracy in Africa. Afrobarometer is “a pan-African, non-partisan survey research network that has been conducting public attitude surveys on democracy, governance, the economy, and society since 1999.” Before joining Afrobarometer, Asunka was previously a program officer in the Global Development and Population program at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and a lecturer in political science at UCLA.

We also discuss the aftermath of Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan and whether it has led to a new normal in the Taiwan Strait. We look at the specter of populism in Italy, as well as Kenya’s third democratic election and what it portends for the future of East Africa. We wrap up the show by looking at the non-aligned movement and why these countries refuse to take sides in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Articles and Resources Mentioned in Episode

Ryan’s article in War on the Rocks

• Reviving the Petroleum Administration for War: A Case for Government-Industry Partnership (War on the Rocks)

Rising US-China tensions over Taiwan

• Xi Jinping may attack Taiwan to secure his legacy, warn Admiral Lee Hsi-min and Eric Lee (The Economist)
• How the crisis over Taiwan will change US-China relations (The Economist)
• Analysis: China's sharper focus on military option for Taiwan raises risks with U.S. (Reuters)

Election Roundup: Italy and Kenya

• Can anything stop Italy’s radical right? (The Economist)
• Leaked manifesto: Italian right-wingers will dump Euroskepticism in bid for power (Politico)
• Italy's Meloni, leading in polls, says she is no threat (Reuters)
• Why Kenya’s election is going down to the wire (The Economist)

Democracy in Africa: Interview with Joseph Asunka

• How do Global South politics of non-alignment and solidarity explain South Africa’s position on Ukraine? (Brookings)

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• Show Website: www.kelloggsglobalpolitics.com
• Show Twitter: @GlobalKellogg
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