Reuben Loffman

Dr Reuben Loffman is a Senior Lecturer in African History at Queen Mary University of London, specializing in Central African colonial/post-colonial history and the political economy of African states. He holds a PhD from Keele University and has taught at multiple UK institutions before joining Queen Mary in 2013. His research focuses on missionary-state dynamics in the DRC and contemporary Congolese politics, with publications analyzing governance, conflict, and development challenges. He contributes to public discourse through The Conversation, addressing issues like electoral integrity and economic policy in the DRC. His teaching includes modules on post-colonial African states and global historical encounters.

• Education:
• BA History (Lancaster University)
• MA (SOAS and Durham University)
• PhD (Keele University)

Research Interests: Missionary history, colonial/post-colonial state formation, DRC political economy, and architecture's role in governance. His book Church, State, and Colonialism in Southeastern Congo, 1890-1962 examines Catholic missionary-state relations in colonial Congo. Recent work explores American Protestant involvement in the DRC and Nord Shaba development projects.

Publications: 14 articles in The Conversation (2019–2023) analyzing DRC presidential elections, economic policy, and regional violence. His work combines historical analysis with contemporary policy implications.