Christopher Day

Christopher Day serves as Professor of Political Science and Director of African Studies at the College of Charleston, where he integrates extensive fieldwork in Africa with academic leadership. His role encompasses program direction, editorial responsibilities for African Studies Review, and policy engagement through the Enough Project.

His educational trajectory features:

• Ph.D. in Political Science from Northwestern University
• M.A. in International Affairs from Johns Hopkins SAIS
• B.A. in Political Science from College of Charleston

Research centers on African comparative politics with emphases on civil-military relations beyond coups, security dynamics, and conservation politics. His work examines how military institutions interact with governance structures, how rebel groups transition to governance, and the militarization of wildlife protection in conflict zones. This interdisciplinary approach bridges political theory with urgent practical challenges across the continent.

Recent publications (2022-2025) reveal three dominant threads: innovative frameworks for understanding civil-military dynamics beyond coups; rigorous examination of research ethics in conflict zones; and analysis of conservation-security intersections. His scholarship demonstrates consistent methodological rigor while addressing evolving political realities in Africa, particularly regarding military governance and environmental conflict.

Professional recognition includes:

• Book Review Editor, African Studies Review
• Steering Committee Chair/Treasurer, Southeastern Regional Seminar in African Studies (SERSAS)
• Non-resident Senior Fellow, the Enough Project

Teaching spans World Politics, Comparative Politics, and specialized courses like Politics of Africa and Model African Union. His academic service extends through SERSAS leadership and editorial work, while policy contributions emerge through the Enough Project fellowship. Though specific grant details aren't documented, his fieldwork-intensive research implies sustained external funding support.

As Director of African Studies, Day cultivates institutional partnerships and academic programming that connect Charleston with broader Africanist scholarship networks. His leadership in SERSAS facilitates regional collaboration among African studies scholars, while his Enough Project affiliation links academic insights to policy advocacy on African conflicts.