Dr. William Reno

Biography

Professor William Reno conducts research on the politics of violence and state collapse in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. He is the author of several significant books, including 'Corruption and State Politics in Sierra Leone' (Cambridge, 1995), which is based on his research in Sierra Leone during the early 1990s. This book traces the historical development of a political system rooted in personal rule, which undermines government institutions and legitimacy by controlling resource access. Another important work, 'Warlord Politics in African States' (Lynne Rienner, 1999), examines the dynamics of state collapse using case studies from Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria, and the Congo during the 1990s. Reno's exploration of personalist regimes highlights their reliance on violence and patronage, which fosters social divisions and creates obstacles to collective action. His latest book, 'Warfare in Independent Africa' (Cambridge, 2011), analyzes the 'new wars' in Africa and critiques the hurdles faced in mobilizing collective efforts, suggesting that state character changes significantly influence warfare types. Reno teaches undergraduate and graduate courses related to comparative and African politics, equipping students with a deep understanding of these critical areas.

Research Interests

Courses