Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey, a distinguished Liberian academic, anti-corruption activist, and author, has been appointed as the Orator for Liberia’s official ceremony marking the 177th Independence Day on July 26th, 2024. Her selection stresses her significant contributions to academia, advocacy, and policy-making, reflecting her commitment to advancing critical discourse on African development and citizenship issues on the global stage.
Known for her expertise in International Social and Public Policy, Dr. Pailey serves as Assistant Professor at the London School of Economics (LSE). She plays a pivotal role in teaching and coordinating various undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including the module on Development and Social Change. Additionally, she leads the Department’s Race Matters Initiative (RMI), which addresses intersectional challenges faced by marginalized communities globally.
Dr. Pailey’s academic pursuits span continents, with extensive fieldwork conducted across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America. Her research focuses on structural transformation and citizenship dynamics in ‘crisis’-affected regions of the Global South. Her current book project, Africa’s ‘Negro’ Republics, critically examines the historical legacies of slavery, colonialism, and neoliberalism in shaping citizenship laws in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
One of her notable achievements includes the monograph Development, (Dual) Citizenship and Its Discontents in Africa: The Political Economy of Belonging to Liberia (Cambridge University Press, 2021). This work not only earned her the 2022 African Politics Conference Group (APCG) Best Book Award but also played a crucial role in influencing Liberia’s dual citizenship legislation.
Prior to her tenure at LSE, Dr. Pailey held prestigious positions such as Leverhulme Early Career Fellow at the University of Oxford and Ibrahim Leadership Fellow at the African Development Bank Group. She completed her doctorate in Development Studies from SOAS, University of London, in 2014, solidifying her reputation as a leading scholar in her field.
Dr. Pailey’s research has been published in esteemed academic journals including Development and Change, Third World Quarterly, Democratization, African Affairs, Migration Studies, Citizenship Studies, and Review of African Political Economy. Her scholarly contributions not only inform academic debates but also influence policy discussions and societal change in Liberia and beyond.
As Liberia prepares to commemorate its 177th Independence Day, Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey’s appointment as Orator signifies her ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and social justice. Her oration is expected to resonate with themes of national identity, governance, and the contemporary challenges facing Liberia.
Her selection for this prestigious role highlights her dedication to advancing critical African Studies and promoting a deeper understanding of development issues in Liberia and other ‘crisis’-affected regions. Dr. Pailey’s oration will undoubtedly inspire reflection on Liberia’s journey towards independence and its future path in the global community.
In conclusion, Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey’s involvement in Liberia’s Independence Day celebration as Orator is a testament to her profound impact on academia, advocacy, and policy-making. Her voice continues to amplify critical perspectives on citizenship, governance, and development, reinforcing her role as a leading intellectual and activist in Africa and beyond.
