Harry G West

Harry G West is a Professor of Anthropology at the University of Exeter, where he leads the Department of Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology. He is Co-Director of the Centre for Rural Policy Research and Lead of Exeter Food: A University Research Network. His work focuses on socio-cultural anthropology, political anthropology, and the anthropology of food, farming, and agrarian societies. He has conducted extensive research in Africa, Europe, and North America, including studies on artisan cheesemaking, food heritage, and memory.

Education:

• Bachelor’s in Political and Social Thought from the University of Virginia
• General Course in International Relations (1 year) at the London School of Economics
• M.A. and Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology (African Studies concentration) from the University of Wisconsin–Madison

Research Interests: Food systems, agrarian societies, cultural heritage, political anthropology, and the interplay between tradition and modernity in rural contexts. His recent work explores food as cultural memory and the role of artisanal producers in shaping cultural economies.

Affiliations & Leadership:

• Co-Director, Centre for Rural Policy Research
• Lead, Exeter Food Research Network
• Former Head of the Department of Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology (2017–2018)