Mahmood Mamdani Explores Power and Belonging on NPR
Mahmood Mamdani, a well-respected professor at Columbia University, sheds light on the complexities of power and belonging, drawing from his own experiences of exile. His insights highlight the enduring influence of colonial legacies on modern political structures.
Colonial Legacies and Political Power
Mamdani, whose roots trace back to Uganda as a citizen of Indian descent, faced statelessness amid political upheaval during the 1970s and 80s. This personal history significantly impacts his academic work, focusing on colonialism and its aftermath in Africa. His latest publication, Slow Poison, explores the evolution of the Ugandan state following British colonial rule.
Experiences Shaping Scholarship
Having been twice rendered stateless, Mamdani emphasizes the feelings of exclusion faced by migrants under colonial systems. He states, “We were migrants, and under the colonial system, migrants were defined as non-Indigenous.” This statement illustrates the historical context that shaped his quest to understand belonging.
- Name: Mahmood Mamdani
- Position: Professor of Government, Columbia University since 1999
- Latest Book:Slow Poison
- Key Figures Discussed: Idi Amin, Yoweri Museveni
- Timeframe of Museveni’s Rule: Since 1986
Reflections on Power and Belonging
In a recent interview with NPR, Mamdani outlined the connections between his past experiences and present discussions about identity and governance. He examines how figures like Idi Amin and Yoweri Museveni navigated the challenging legacy handed down from colonialism.
His reflections not only contribute to academic discourse but also resonate with contemporary political debates, especially as his son, Zohran Mamdani, seeks to reshape ideas around power in New York City.
Through addressing themes of power and belonging, Mamdani encourages a reevaluation of who is included in the narrative of nationhood. His work serves as a crucial reminder of the lasting impact that historical injustices can have on modern identity and governance.
