Mayke Kaag

Mayke Kaag is a Professor of the Anthropology of Politics and Governance in Africa at Leiden University's Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (CADS), and holds a concurrent professorship in the Anthropology of Islam in Africa and its diaspora at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). She earned her PhD from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in 2001, focusing on land use and social change in Senegal.

Her research explores African transnational relations, including land issues, transnational Islamic charities, and diaspora engagements. Key initiatives include convening the 'Africa in the World: Rethinking Africa’s Global Connections' research group and co-editing pivotal works like The Global Land Grab: Beyond the Hype (2014). She serves as Director of Studies at the African Studies Centre Leiden (ASCL) and Executive Board member.

Research interests span political anthropology, Islam in Africa, migration, and development, with a regional focus on Senegal, Chad, and West Africa. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to understanding Africa’s global connections, emphasizing trust dynamics and transnational linkages.

Awards and recognitions are not explicitly listed, but her extensive academic contributions reflect significant scholarly impact. She advises doctoral candidates and collaborates on projects like 'New Topographies of Power?' and 'Transnational Islamic NGOs in Africa.'