David MacDonald

David MacDonald is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Guelph (2007–present) and holds an honorary academic position at the University of Auckland (2024–2028). He earned his PhD in International Relations from the London School of Economics (2001) and previously held positions at the University of Otago (2002–2007) and ESCP-Europe (1999–2002).

• PhD International Relations, London School of Economics (2001)
• MA Political Science, University of Ottawa (1996)
• BA Honours Political Science, Carleton University (1995)

His research focuses on comparative Indigenous politics across Canada, Aotearoa New Zealand, the United States, and Australia. Key areas include genocide studies, truth and reconciliation processes, settler colonialism, Indigenous self-determination, and critical race theory. He explores how systemic racism, cultural erasure, and colonial policies (e.g., Indian Residential Schools) impact contemporary governance.

Recent publications analyze genocide recognition, Indigenous carceral politics, and truth commission efficacy. Funded by SSHRC grants since 2008, his work includes an active Insight Grant (2023–2028) on Indigenous sovereignty with Sheryl Lightfoot. He serves on the ISA President’s Ad Hoc Committee on Indigenous Justice and the Committee on Representation and Diversity.

• Co-Editor, Palgrave MacMillan book series Global Political Sociology
• Co-Applicant, Decolonizing Settler States SSHRC grant (2021–2024)
• Co-Applicant, Settler Colonialism in Canada Connections Grant (2022)