Alex de Waal

Alex de Waal is a Research Professor at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, and Executive Director of the World Peace Foundation. He is a leading expert on Sudan, the Horn of Africa, humanitarian crises, and conflict resolution. His work bridges academia and policy, focusing on famine, peace processes, and human rights.

Education:

• DPhil in Social Anthropology, University of Oxford (1988)
• BA in Psychology with Philosophy, University of Oxford (1984)

Research Interests: Africa, Complex Emergencies, Conflict Resolution, Human Rights, Humanitarian Action, International Security, and Sudan.

Awards:

• Elsevier Atlas Prize (2017)
• Foreign Policy's 100 Most Influential Public Intellectuals (2008)
• Atlantic Monthly's 27 'Brave Thinkers' (2009)
• Officer of the Order of the British Empire (2009)

Teaching: Regularly teaches Conflict in Africa, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to violence, policy responses, and case studies like Sudan and South Sudan. His courses integrate political science, anthropology, economics, and environmental studies.

Grants & Projects: Includes work funded by the U.S. Institute of Peace, UK Department for International Development, and Swiss Embassy on topics like conflict resolution, peace missions, and decarbonization in fragile states.

Professional Roles:

• Senior Adviser to the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel for Sudan (2009–2011)
• Mediation team member for Darfur (2005–2006)