African Studies Program

Anti-Colonial Dreams, Authoritarian Realities: Populism and Power in Africa

Soeran J. Henn and Aili Mari Tripp

This event has passed.

1155 Observatory Drive Madison, WI 53706, 206 Ingraham Hall
@ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Promotional poster for a CIRA Lecture Series event titled “Anti-Colonial Dreams, Authoritarian Realities: Populism and Power in Africa.” The flyer features headshots of two speakers—Professor Henn and Professor Tripp—along with their areas of expertise. Event details read: April 9, 5:30–6:30 p.m., Ingraham Hall Room 206, and “Free to Attend.” The design uses red, green, yellow, and black colors with silhouettes of uniformed figures at the bottom and logos for African Cultural Studies and CIRA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speakers

Professor Soeren J. Henn, Assistant Professor in Political Science at UW-Madison 
African Economics and Politics

Professor Aili Mari Tripp, Vilas Research Professor of Political Science at UW-Madison
Authoritarianism in Africa

Event Details
Date: April 9
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Venue: Ingraham Hall, Room 206
Cost: Free and open to the public

Talk Description

This panel asks a central question, is populism the new face of authoritarianism in Africa? It brings together leading scholars to examine the tensions between anti-colonial aspirations and contemporary authoritarian realities across Africa. Focusing on populism and political power, the discussion will explore how historical legacies intersect with present-day governance, economic policy, and political discourse.

The UW–Madison Contemporary International Relations Association (CIRA), often in collaboration with the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Society and Politics Committee, hosts lectures focusing on international affairs, policy, and economic issues. The CIRA Lecture Series facilitates interactions between scholars and the public to engage critical issues shaping complex global topics and connections.

Why Attend

  • Gain interdisciplinary perspectives on populism and political power in Africa

  • Engage with leading scholars in African studies

  • Participate in timely discussions on governance, history, and political change

This event is co-sponsored by the African Studies Program, UW-Madison.

The event is free and open to the public.