Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
History
Northwestern University
1996
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Faculty
Faculty
Mohamed Saliou Camara, Ph.D.
Professor
Department/Office
- African Studies
School/College
- College of Arts & Sciences
Biography
Mohamed Saliou Camara, Ph.D., is a professor of African studies at Howard University whose scholarship focuses on African political history, media and society, religion and philosophy, and international relations in Africa. He earned his Ph.D. in history from Northwestern University, where he also completed a master’s degree in history, after receiving a postgraduate degree in journalism from the University of Dakar and a diploma in philosophy and history from the University of Conakry in Guinea. Before joining Howard University, Camara taught international affairs, history and communication at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and previously served as a lecturer and associate chair of philosophy at the University of Conakry.
Camara’s research examines the political and intellectual history of Africa, with particular attention to governance, mass communication, and the relationship between politics and society in Guinea and across West Africa. He is the author of several scholarly works, including Political History of Guinea Since World War Two and Historical Dictionary of Guinea, and his research also explores African epistemology and systems of knowledge. Through his publications and academic work, Camara has contributed to interdisciplinary conversations about African political development, culture and intellectual traditions.
In addition to his research and teaching, Camara has held a variety of academic and public service roles throughout his career. Earlier in his professional life, he worked as a journalist for the national radio-television network of Guinea, a correspondent for Radio France Internationale, and a speechwriter for the Press Bureau of the presidency of the Republic of Guinea. At Howard University, he contributes to the university’s mission of advancing Africa-centered scholarship and global engagement through teaching, research and mentorship.
Education & Expertise
Education
Master of Arts (M.A.)
History
Northwestern University
1991
Postgraduate Degree
Journalism
Universite de Dakar, Senegal
1985
Diplome d'Etudes Superieures (DES)
Philosophy & History
Universite de Conakry, Guinea
1981
Accomplishments
Accomplishments
Faculty Research Development Grant - ERAU Office of Dean of Research; 2016
Research/Travel Grant - Association for the Study of the Middle East & Africa; 2014
Innovative Pedagogy Award - ERAU Center for Teaching & Learning Excellence; 2014, 2011
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Publications and Presentations
Publications and Presentations
Books
Historical Dictionary of Guinea
This fifth edition of Historical Dictionary of Guinea covers the full scope of Guinea’s history. This is done through a chronology, an introductory essay, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography.
This work investigates knowledge systems intrinsic to African civilizations to ascertain ways in which those systems can help validate or invalidate the argument pertaining to the existence of an African epistemology.
Political History of Guinea since World War Two
This book provides an in-depth study of the political evolution of Guinea from World War Two to the present. Based on primary-source information, it examines with rare depth and breadth the eventful history of this nation-state, whose trajectory has impacted in no small ways Francophone Africa and the rest of the continent.
This work presents a historical framework and a plan for reform of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). It is is based upon in-country investigations, surveys of published works, and a thorough examination of primary sources.
Le pouvoir politique en Guinée sous Sékou Touré
The evocations and analyses of former relatives of Sékou Touré contained in this book shed new light on the political evolution of Guinea.
His Master’s Voice: Mass Communication and Single-Party Politics in Guinea under Sékou Touré
By using the case study of Guinea, the author explores systemically (1) the nature of the single-party regime and the role of first-generation post-colonial African leadership, (2) the central role of ideology in the twin-programs of statecraft and nation-building by ideological one-party states, and (3) the contribution of mass communication to the PDG (Parti Démocratique de Guinée) regimes political survival and self-rejuvenation under the charismatic leadership of Sékou Touré from 1957 to 1984.
Political Crisis and ECOWAS-Mediated Transition in Guinea
Political Crisis and ECOWAS-Mediated Transition in Guinea
This article explores the crisis and attempts to elucidate the contribution of ECOWAS and other major international stakeholders to the political transition that ensued.
New Media and Ethno-Politics in the Guinean Diaspora
New Media and Ethno-Politics in the Guinean Diaspora
This paper discusses the resurgence of ethno-politics in Guinea in conjunction with the reintroduction of multiparty politics after three decades of single-party and military rule, and the trend’s multilayered repercussion into the Guinean Diaspora of North America.
Trade Unionism and Politics in Guinea since Independence
Trade Unionism and Politics in Guinea since Independence. Chapter in Trade Unions in West Africa: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives
This book investigates the state of trade unionism in Africa’s most populous regional economic zone. With the exception of the former British colonies of Nigeria and Ghana, surprisingly little has been written on the trade union movements that have played such pivotal roles in the histories of the fifteen countries that comprise the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).