Adrienne LeBas

Political scientist specializing in Africa and the difficult work of democracy. Often longing for Harare, Lagos, a nice tanda. Teach @AU_SPA. No longer on X.

[Adrienne LeBas @amlebas]

The Woodrow Wilson centers only receives 30% of its budget from the government (a paltry $14M), and it had an independent endowment (now seized?). It seems to be no more. As a two-time Wilson Center alum, the loss feels particularly personal. 1/n

[Adrienne LeBas @amlebas]

This will be my last post on this platform. 7/7

[Adrienne LeBas @amlebas]

The Woodrow Wilson centers only receives 30% of its budget from the government (a paltry $14M), and it had an independent endowment (now seized?). It seems to be no more. As a two-time Wilson Center alum, the loss feels particularly personal. 1/n

[Adrienne LeBas @amlebas]

I was 24 years old when I had my first appointment at WWICS, a 3 month stint during the summer. It was my introduction to policy-making and public scholarship. I will always have such deep and abiding respect for the institution & for the work it did for the American people. 6/n

[Adrienne LeBas @amlebas]

Whole thread from this Fox News correspondent is worth reading. Atul Gawande discusses why USAID is important and also provides information on the "insanity and cruelty" (his words) associated with DOGE's actions this weekend.

[Jennifer Griffin @JenGriffinFNC]

Atul Gawande, former USAID official to Fox: “They have turned into a shell overnight an organization that reaches 100s of millions of people around the world. Our health programs added 6 extra years of life to children by eradicating diseases. That is all being decimated with spurious charges of corruption and mismanagement. It is a playbook coming to an agency near you.”

[Nicholas Kerr @nnkerr]

So excited that my new book, Electoral Commissions & Democratization in Africa, published by @OUPAcademicis now available for purchase: https://t.co/rFn4FnWRjq

[Adrienne LeBas @amlebas]

@NiloSiddiqui Congratulations Niloufer!

[Adrienne LeBas @amlebas]

@belindaarch @SAISHopkins Woo hoo! I've been waiting to congratulate you until public. Looking forward to toasting in person.

[Adrienne LeBas @amlebas]

Mini-conference at SPSA (Jan 2025) to celebrate the life of Keith Weghorst, who was taken from us too soon. His CUP book on political candidate motivations in Tanzania is also out (and in paperback!). https://t.co/sXDMg4bqBt

[Laura Seelkopf @LauraSeelkopf]

There is no rule without revenue. Yet political scientists often ignore this core state power. @Lhakelberg @FU_Berlin and @LauraSeelkopf @HSGStGallen argue why taxation is central to #PolSci, explain the basics and argue for more inclusive scholarship on the #PoliticsOfTaxation

[Adrienne LeBas @amlebas]

@nfridatebidjr Is it still operational? Go talk to the workers and ask them how they feel about it. (Am I wrong to guess pride?)

[Adrienne LeBas @amlebas]

@zeitzoff Congratulations, Thomas! This sounds great.

[Adrienne LeBas @amlebas]

@ProfSobolewska YES.

[Adrienne LeBas @amlebas]

@maxsiollun Bravo! Can't wait to read it.

[Adrienne LeBas @amlebas]

@DrJLHazelton @PVGlance I'm thinking a short piece, as I don't have space to write something longer, so I haven't considered these outlets. But maybe I should. Thanks!

[Adrienne LeBas @amlebas]

I'm pondering writing something on the deployment of Kenyan police to deal w gangs in Haiti. ... I have, well, thoughts. Now that much-missed @PVGlance is gone (RIP), anyone have suggestions for outlets? And have you seen any analysis of this elsewhere (twitter, blogs, etc)?

[Adrienne LeBas @amlebas]

@DrJLHazelton @PVGlance No, I'm not optimistic. I'm writing a book right now on the evolution of gangs (in Kenya and in other places), and repressive campaigns do not lead where I think folks want this to lead.