Christopher Isike
Professor of African Politics and International Relations
Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria
On behalf of the Kellogg Institute's Democratization Theory Research Cluster, Christopher Isike will discuss his latest research exploring the soft power contributions of Nigerian American and immigrant populations living in the U.S. His research suggests that this diaspora population holds a dual allegiance to their homeland and their new country of residence, putting them in unique social and political positions. By taking a comparative approach with the American Jewish diaspora, he will explore how Nigerian immigrants and Nigerian Americans can and do engage in "diaspora diplomacy," presenting opportunities for the diaspora community to lobby, create linkages, and otherwise support Nigerian issues in Africa.