I am assistant professor in the department of political science at the University of Kentucky starting Fall 2022. I obtained my PhD in Political Science from the University of California, Merced, where I also earned an M. A in Political science. I study the political economy of development in democratizing States, with a regional focus on Africa. Most of my work asks how political institutions, and (historical) events shape distributive politics comparatively. My work is published or forthcoming at the American Political Science Review.
My first book project analyzes how colonial hiring practices shape ethnic representation in the Nigerian civil service. I theorize that institutions and elites influenced early entry into the bureaucracy. Those who gained employment into the civil service maintained their position by employing their co-ethnics. Thus the colonial state building process created inequality in the level of representation of various ethnic groups in the civil service. Additionally, I find that this has consequences for how civil servants provide public goods to the public, and how the public views civil servants and the government in general. This project was awarded the best dissertation completed in 2021 from the Race and Ethnic Politics Section of the American Political Science Association.
Previously, I earned an M.A and a B.A in Economics both from the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio. I am Nigerian, and a proud supporter of the Super Eagles and Falcons!
You can find my work on Google Scholar. You can also get in touch with me on Twitter, and LinkedIn or through email at anjohnson-kanu@uky.edu
My first book project analyzes how colonial hiring practices shape ethnic representation in the Nigerian civil service. I theorize that institutions and elites influenced early entry into the bureaucracy. Those who gained employment into the civil service maintained their position by employing their co-ethnics. Thus the colonial state building process created inequality in the level of representation of various ethnic groups in the civil service. Additionally, I find that this has consequences for how civil servants provide public goods to the public, and how the public views civil servants and the government in general. This project was awarded the best dissertation completed in 2021 from the Race and Ethnic Politics Section of the American Political Science Association.
Previously, I earned an M.A and a B.A in Economics both from the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio. I am Nigerian, and a proud supporter of the Super Eagles and Falcons!
You can find my work on Google Scholar. You can also get in touch with me on Twitter, and LinkedIn or through email at anjohnson-kanu@uky.edu