Maxwell School News and Commentary
Filtered by: Africa (Sub-Saharan)
Belief, Behavior, and Health: Religion as a Social Determinant of Health
Sandra D. Lane, professor emerita of public health, has written Belief, Behavior, and Health: Religion as a Social Determinant of Health (Routledge, 2025). The book details how religious beliefs across cultures impact health outcomes. It draws from research from the United States as well as Africa and the Middle East.
See related: Africa (Sub-Saharan), Gender and Sex, Middle East & North Africa, Religion, United States
Monmonier Talks to the Associated Press About the Accuracy of the Mercator Projection
“It was a useful navigation tool in the 16th century, because it has straight lines, giving navigators a line of constant direction to sail along,” says Mark Monmonier, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Geography and the Environment. “But outside of that very narrow navigation application, there is no point in using it.”
See related: Africa (Sub-Saharan), Cartography, Maps
Syracuse University to Host 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders
Beginning in mid-June, the Maxwell School at Syracuse University will host 25 of Africa’s emerging public management leaders for a six-week Leadership Institute, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.
See related: Africa (Sub-Saharan), Awards & Honors
Jok Discusses South Sudan’s Fragile Peace Agreement and Its President in Geeska, Reuters Articles
“Africa’s newest state has remained trapped in a cycle of civil unrest and perpetual peace agreements that have not translated into real peace for its citizens. As it stands, all indications are that the fragile peace is in danger, as President Salva Kiir has ordered the house arrest of his rival, Vice President Riek Machar,” says Jok Madut Jok, professor of anthropology.
See related: Africa (Sub-Saharan), Conflict, Government, International Affairs
Race, Representation, and the Legitimacy of International Organizations
Daniel McDowell and co-author explore whether the representation of Black people in international organization leadership positions influences perceptions of legitimacy among Black and white individuals. Published in International Organization.
Mandela Washington Fellowship Leadership Institute Creates Connections in CNY and Abroad
The 25 Mandela Washington Fellows who took part in the institute at Maxwell are deeply involved in improving their homelands by addressing issues such as peacebuilding, poverty, economic development and hunger. While in Syracuse, these young leaders learned there are challenges in America as well.
See related: Africa (Sub-Saharan), Student Experience
Developing-Country Representation and Public Attitudes toward International Organizations
Jok Article on the Integration of the East African Community Published in Geeska Afrika
Can the people of the East African Community overcome cross-border suspicions and create a cohesive union of its 302.2 million citizens? Professor of Anthropology Jok Madut Jok explores the obstacles in his article.
See related: Africa (Sub-Saharan), Government
DeCorse Quoted in The Guardian Article on the First Archaeological Dig of São Tomé and Príncipe
See related: Africa (Sub-Saharan), Agriculture, Archaeology, Migration, Trade
Towards Sustainable Cultural Institutions for a New Nation
“Towards Sustainable Cultural Institutions for a New Nation: Creating a National Museum and Archives for South Sudan,” co-authored by Professor of Anthropology Jok Madut Jok, was published in Museum International.
See related: Africa (Sub-Saharan), Global Governance, Government