Eric Edi

Assistant Professor of Integrated International Studies

General Interests
"I adopted Pan Africanism as the ideological basis of my research, which focuses on the history of Black people and the evolution of their social and political thoughts. Thus, the Africans, Afro-Caribbeans, and African Americans are important in my research, teaching, and /or social and political activities. With the rise of globalization and the transformations triggered in the cultures and the economies of Black people, my work has consisted in finding and explicating the ways in which masses and leadership have coped with pressing issues such as poverty, conflicts, democracy, unity, and equality. I have dedicated much time on West Africa because I believe that this sub-region offers a good example of cooperation and practical Pan Africanism. My book, Globalization and Politics in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), reflects that belief."

Years at Knox: 2006 to present

Education
Ph.D., 2004, Temple University.
M.A., 1996, University of Cocody, Cote d'Ivoire.
B.A., 1994, University of Cocody, Cote d'Ivoire.

Teaching Interests
African and Caribbean history, Africana philosophy and political thought, globalization, west African political structures, African civilizations (pre-colonial era).

Recent Recognition
Awards
Teaching Assistant Scholarship, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2002-2003.

Teaching Assistant Scholarship, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2001-2002.

Fulbright Scholarship, United States Department of State (USIA), 1999-2001.

Higher Education Scholarship for doctorate degree, Republic of Cote d'Ivoire, 1997-1999.

Department of African American Studies Award for Outstanding Service, 2003.

Travel Expense Award, Temple University Graduate school, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2002.

Fellowships
Temple University Society of Fellow Graduate, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2002-2003.

Recent Accomplishments
Publications
Globalization and Politics in the Economic Community of West African States. Carolina Academic Press, 2007.

"Pan West Africanism and Political Instability in West Africa." Journal of Pan African Studies 1.3 (2006): 7-31.

"Africa and The New World Order: Voices and Ways of Liberation in Armah’s Osiris Rising." Journal of Pan African Studies 1.9 (2007): 117-135.

Presentations
"Peace and Reconciliation Process in Côte d’Ivoire." Future Faculty Retreat, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2007.

"Land, Identity, Democracy, and Conflicts in Africa." Knox College International Fair, Galesburg, Illinois, 2007.

"Human Rights in Africa." American Friends Service Committee, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2005.

"Live 8, Debt, Aid and Poverty in Africa." Philadelphia Inquirer Series on African Affairs, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2005.

"War and Physical Disabilities in Sierra Leone." Philadelphia Organization for Africans with Disabilities, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2005.

"End of Crisis and Elections in the Ivory Coast: Prospects for Peace and Democracy." Community of Cote d'Ivoire Nationals, New Jersey, 2005.

"Underreported Events: Cote d'Ivoire." New York Public Radio, 2004.

"Pan West Africanism and Political Instability in West Africa." National Council of Black Studies Conference, 2004.

"Patriotism in Times of Crisis and Change: the Ivorian Crisis and the Reactions of Ivorians Abroad." Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, 2003.

"Doing Business in West Africa: History, Geography, and Culture of West Africa." International Visitor Council, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2003.

"An African-centered Critique of the New Partnership for African Development." Rust College's 9th Annual African American Leadership Conference, Holly Springs, Mississippi, 2003.

"Before Globalization: Culture and Development in Contemporary Africa." Graduate Students Conference, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2002.

"Africa's Image in US Media: An analysis of the Washington Post coverage of the 2000 elections in Cote d'Ivoire." University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2002.

"Discussing African (Akan) Culture Through Anowa, a Play by A.A. Aidoo." Towson University, Towson, Maryland, 2002.

"Africa's Image in US Media." Multicultural Institute Conference, Towson University, Towson, Maryland, 2002.

"Before Globalization: Culture and Development in Contemporary Africa." African American Leadership Conference, Rust College, Holly Springs, Mississippi, 2002.

"Africa and the New World Order: Voices and Ways of Liberation in Osiris Rising." African American Leadership Conference, Rust College, Holly Springs, Mississippi, 2002.

"Improving African Immigrants Conditions in Philadelphia: the Role of Radio Tam Tam." WPED FM 88.1, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2001.

"Africa and Western Media." Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2001.

"An Analysis of Anowa: a Play by A.A. Aidoo." Towson University, Towson, Maryland, 2001.

"African Culture and Work Ethics." Workshop, 2001.

"The Benefits of Studying Abroad." African American Cultural Center, Towson University, Towson, Maryland, 2000.

Campus & Community Involvement
Advisory Board Member, Tamaa: West African Refugee Assistance Program, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Vice-Chair, Coalition of African Communities in Philadelphia (Africom-Philly), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Representative for Pennsylvania, US-Cote d’Ivoire Trade and Investments Council (USCITIC, Inc.).
Member, Education Committee, Mayor’s Commission for African and Caribbean Immigrants’ Affairs, City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Member, African Immigrants Outreach Health Fair Committee, City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Founding Member/By-Laws Committee Member, Coalition of African Communities in Philadelphia (AFRICOM).
Chair, Publicity and Campaign Committee for Echoes of Africa.
President, Cote d'Ivoire Association for the Delaware Valley.
Co-chair, Graduate Student Union, Temple University Department of African American Studies.
Graduate Director, Temple University Student's Government, International Division.

What Students Say
"Dr. Edi is an absolute authority on contemporary African politics and African history as well as the African Diaspora as a whole. He is tremendously apt at helping students navigate the difficult discourse of colonialism, neo-colonialism, post-colonialism and so on. His instruction is geared towards a holistic understanding of the historical, political, economic, and social factors influencing the Africana world. His teaching style is the most enthusiastic and engaging I have ever experienced. Not only is Dr. Edi sincerely devoted to his field and research, but also lovingly devoted to the art of teaching. His compassion for his students and his dedication to their learning experience is coupled with his amazing expertise, making him one of the most effective and enjoyable professors at Knox."
-Christopher Guthrie, History and Black Studies major

Contact
309-341-7224
eedi@knox.edu