International Development Studies
Telephone: (204) 953-3857
j.sears@uwinnipeg.ca
Jon approaches International Development Studies from a multi-disciplinary academic background—philosophy, comparative politics of development and political theory. His PhD dissertation on democratic deepening in the Republic of Mali addresses, from political culture and political economy perspectives, how citizen identity is rooted in Indigenous, Islamic, and Western norms and practices. His ongoing research seeks cross-country comparison of how domestic actors in Africa react to the political culture implications of economic and political liberalization. His broader research interests include politics in Africa, political culture and political economy, development policy (especially governance) and religion and politics.
Jon's recent scholarship:
1) "Canada in Mali: Peace building between local knowledge and ‘norms transfer,'" was presented to Canadian Security into the 21st Century, hosted by Laurentian University (March 2008).
2) "Social cohesion and political identity between illiberal and liberal norms," was presented to Immigration, Minorities and Multiculturalism in Democracies (Oct. 2007), hosted by the Ethnicity and Democratic Governance Project (Queen's University).
Jon has also presented on his dissertation research to the African Studies Association and the Canadian Association of African Studies. He translated two chapters (French to English) in Ethnicity and Democracy in Africa, Bruce Berman, Dickson Eyoh, and Will Kymlicka, eds. (Ohio University Press and James Currey, 2004).
Prior to coming to MSC, Jon was Program Coordinator for Studies in National and International Development (SNID), and Graduate Ministry Coordinator for Geneva Fellowship Christian Reformed campus ministry, both at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario.
Jon has a B.A. (Hons.) in Anthropology from St. Thomas University, an M.A. in Political Philosophy from Brock University and a Ph.D. in Political Studies from Queen’s University.
