The United Kingdom Prospect Magazine has recognized the Chancellor Kampala International University Prof Mahmood Mamdani who also doubles as the Director Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) as one of the top 50 thinkers globally.
Mamdani, a political theorist was recognized as a political thinker following his book; “Why do so many nation states struggle to accommodate minorities?” in which he argues that the colonial “define and rule” attitude based on ethnic and religious groups causes extreme violence in post colonial states.
The recognized thinkers were categorized in Technology, Politics, Arts, Business among others.
According to prospect magazine, the recognition criteria based on singular pursuit of an identifiable idea and an ability to gain traction for it.
“We also insisted on some form of “intervention”—be it a book, speech or a public stand—over the past 12 months.” Read a blog post on Prospect Magazine.
“There is one paradoxical pattern in our 2021 list. In practical and even emotional terms, this is a collectivist moment. The events of the last year and a half have reminded humans anew of how connected their fates are and, from edicts about masks to furlough schemes and global minimum tax deals, the big state is back in public policy. But when we turn to the world of ideas, this is a year for people who are individualists by temperament, if not intellect.” Prospect Magazine reported.
Mahmood Mamdani, (born 23 April 1946) is a Ugandan academic author and political commentator.
He is recognized among other thinkers like Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Peter Admson, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Mustafa Akyol, Alison Bechdel, Priyamvada Gopel, Lina Khan, John Martinis, Elon Musk Laura Spinney, and vaccine developers; Özlëm Tureci and Ugar Sahin among others.
He currently serves as the Chancellor of Kampala International University, Uganda, a post he has held since August last year.
He is also the director of the Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR), the Herbert Lehman Professor of Government at the School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University and the Professor of Anthropology, Political Science and African Studies at Columbia University.
The news of Mamadani’s recognition have been welcomed home (In Uganda) and Makerere University Vice-Chancellor, Prof.Barnabas Nawangwe, is among the first persons to applaud the professer over this achievement.
”I congratulate Makerere University don Mahmood Mamdani upon his recognition as one of the top 50 thinkers globally. You make Mak proud,” said Nawangwe
Prospect Magazine has urged the public to participate in the voting exercise to vote who who they think the top thinker of all should be.
“As in previous years, you can vote for who you think the top thinker of all should be—and also tell us who we have missed, including whether you think we’ve been unduly squeamish about Jiang Shigong or anyone else. Whether our list delights or riles you, there’s bound to be someone here who inspires you, so do remember to vote online.
Full results will be published in the next issue.” Prospect Magazine said.
Full list of recognized top 50 thinkers globally and their biography.
