Research
Overview
I study democracy, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The primary focus of my research analyzes democratic consolidation in countries in sub-Saharan Africa, the role of Election Management Bodies in the region, and LGBTQ politics in Botswana. My research also includes a focus on geography and how it impacts local and international politics. I employ both qualitative and quantitative methods in my work.
Publications
“A Geographic Preface.” With Jeffrey W. Neff. In Understanding Contemporary Africa, 6th ed., edited by Peter J. Schraeder. Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner, 2020.
Dissertation
Can One-Party Dominant States Be Democratic?
Works in Progress
“Institutional Independence and Dominant Parties Accepting Defeat: The Independent Electoral Commission and the End of Dominant-Party Rule in Botswana” – under review.
“Designed for Dominance: Electoral Commissions and Authoritarian Consolidation in Tanzania” – in progress.
“Botswana’s Rapid Progression on LGBTQ Rights: Examining the Role of Local Advocacy Group LEGABIBO” – in progress.
“Can a State by One Be a State for All? One-Party Dominance and Democracy” – book project in progress.
“Democratic Consolidation in Lesotho: Prime Minister Thabane and the Ninth Amendment” – in progress.
Conference Presentations
“Botswana’s Rapid Progression on LGBTQ Rights: Examining the Role of Local Advocacy Group LEGABIBO.” International Studies Association Conference. Forthcoming – March 2027.
“Designed for Dominance: Electoral Commissions and Authoritarian Consolidation in Tanzania.” American Political Science Association Conference. September 2026.
“Designed for Dominance: Electoral Commissions and Authoritarian Consolidation in Tanzania.” Midwest Political Science Association Conference. April 2026.
“One-Party Democracy in Botswana: An Analysis of the Electoral Playing Field.” American Political Science Association Conference. September 2025.
“One-Party Democracy in Botswana: An Analysis of the Electoral Playing Field.” Midwest Political Science Association Conference. April 2025.
“Democratic Consolidation in Lesotho: Prime Minister Thabane and the Ninth Amendment.” Midwest Political Science Association Conference. April 2024.
“Can a State by One Be a State for All? One-Party Dominance and Democracy.” Midwest Political Science Association Conference. April 2023.
“Explaining Public Support for Government Redistribution in the Developed World: The Gap between Subjective Perceptions and Objective Benefits.” With Vincent Mahler. Western Political Science Association Conference, 2019.