The Politics and Social Change division comprises of researchers working on politics and social change. The division aims to improve understanding social and political change in Zambia and Southern Africa. It seeks to do this by researching different thematic areas and topics in history, politics and social sciences. The Politics and Social Change division is established as SAIPAR’s leader in undertaking, facilitating and coordinating high-quality research and analysis, training and networking, and policy and academic dialogue and debate.
Division Activities:
The division undertakes both commissioned and independent academic research.
ZAMBIA ELECTION RESEARCH NETWORK (ZERN)
The division has also been hosting the Zambia Election Research Network (ZERN), a network of academics interested in Zambian democracy and the electoral process. The network has collectively produced high-impact, evidence-based research on the electoral process that has been recognised by international and diplomatic organisations. The division’s role in filling a notable gap in Zambian discourse by providing high-quality, evidence-based research is crucial. Without such research, public discourse may be driven by media hype lacking substance.
POLITICAL-ECONOMY ANALYSIS
SAIPAR provides political-economy analysis on various topics, including economic institutions, political parties, governance and corruption, the judiciary, the mining sector, and public policies. This analysis is multidisciplinary and carried out in conjunction with other divisions.
PUBLICATIONS
The division has published books, policy briefs, journal articles, occasional papers, research reports and editorial opinions. In 20120, the division coordinated the publication of the following book: T. Banda, M. Hinfelaar, O. Kaaba and M. Ndulo Democracy and Electoral Politics in Zambia (Brill Publishers, Leiden) by https://brill.com/view/title/57421. In the wake of the 2021 general election, the division coordinated the publication of a special edition of the Journal of East African Studies that contained exclusive articles reflecting on the 2021 Zambian general elections.
The division also runs the Zambia Social Science Journal (ZSSJ), an interdisciplinary, peer-reviewed journal focused on scholarly work in the social sciences and development. Its primary objective is to serve as a forum for argument, debate, review, reflection, and discussion.
Politics and Social Change Division Staff
Dr. O’Brien Kaaba – Head
Contact:
Email: Okaaba@yahoo.com and Marja.hinfelaar@saipar.org