Political science professor Severine Autesserre, an expert on international peacekeeping, has recently provided commentary to major international news organizations on issues relating to her field. On Al Jazeera, Prof. Autesserre was interviewed about the continuing issues plaguing the Congo, whether the conflict is reaching a turning point, and efforts to oust rebel groups from the area. Watch the full interview.
Prof. Autesserre was also interviewed for a recent article in The Guardian that explores the vital role of female UN peacekeepers, and whether efforts underway to increase their numbers are strong enough. An excerpt:
"[T]he few women serving in the UN mission in Congo (known as Monusco by its French acronym) are mostly in lower-level positions and describe a persistent, prevailing machismo culture in peacekeeping...'They said gender is a priority but for a long time the only person staffing the gender office was a UN volunteer,' says Severine Autesserre a professor at Barnard College at Columbia University, who has written about the habits of peacekeepers and done extensive research in the Congo."
Read the full article.
Prof. Autesserre is also featured in Pathways to Passion, a new series of Barnard videos that highlight how Barnard professors became interested in their areas of study. Check out the feature.
Prof. Autesserre joined Barnard's faculty in 2007. Her research focuses on African politics, international relations, peacekeeping and peacebuilding, and the politics of humanitarian and development aid. Peaceland, her most recent book, was published in April 2014; her previous book, The Trouble with the Congo, was published in 2011.
