Ashley E. Leinweber

Dr. Ashley E. Leinweber is an Associate Professor in the Political Science and Philosophy Department at Missouri State University. She holds a PhD in Political Science (2011, University of Florida), an MA (2008, University of Florida), and a BA in Political Science and French (2001, Millsaps College). Her research focuses on African politics, nonstate actors, and Muslim minority communities in conflict zones. She is affiliated with the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Her work examines the intersection of international organizations, domestic governance, and religious minority mobilization, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). She investigates how Muslim communities navigate post-conflict environments through education and civil society initiatives. Key themes include the role of NGOs in weak states and the impact of colonial legacies on contemporary political systems.

Leinweber serves as faculty advisor for the MSU Model United Nations and contributes to regional academic networks like the Mid America Alliance for African Studies (MAAAS) and the African Politics Conference Group (APCG). Her research has analyzed Islamic education systems across Africa, highlighting their adaptive strategies in postcolonial contexts.

Her publications span topics from DRC's 'Africa Rising' narrative to the socio-political dynamics of Muslim communities in Maniema. She also explores historical educational practices, such as Qur'anic transmission methods in Mauritania and colonial-era Islamic schooling in Northern Nigeria.