Gregory Mann

Gregory Mann is a Professor of African History at Columbia University, specializing in 20th-century West Africa and the Sahel, with particular focus on Mali. His work bridges colonial and postcolonial studies, analyzing governmentality, migration, human rights, and the historiography of Africa.

Education:

• Ph.D. from Northwestern University (2000)
• M.A. from Northwestern University (1995)
• B.A. from University of Georgia (1993)

Research interests center on colonial and postcolonial governance, African historiography, and the interplay between state and society. His publications explore themes like military veterans, Islamic policy, citizenship, and NGO transitions. Recent articles examine democracy, human rights, and archival preservation in Mali.

Key article trends include historical analysis of French colonial law, transnational citizenship, and postcolonial political crises. Co-authored works reflect collaborative research with scholars in Africa and Europe.

Scientific awards:

• David Pinkney Prize (2007)
• Melville J. Herskovits Prize Finalist (2007)
• Choice Outstanding Academic Title (2015)
• Stanford Humanities Center Fellow (2009-10)
• NEH Summer Stipend (2005)
• Fulbright-IIE Fellowship (1998-99)

Mann has advised doctoral and Master’s students in History, Anthropology, and Political Science. He directed Columbia's M.A. program in History and Literature (Paris) and co-organized seminars on African temporality. Current projects include preserving Malian feminist archives and writing a synthetic book on Franco-African historical relationships.