Dr. Salah Ben Hammou
@salahbhpolisci.bsky.social
Postdoctoral Associate for the Center of the Middle East at Rice University's Baker Institute of Public Policy.
Former USIP Peace Scholar.
Ph.D. from the University of Central Florida.
www.salahbenhammou.com
Former USIP Peace Scholar.
Ph.D. from the University of Central Florida.
www.salahbenhammou.com
Pinned
📢 New Paper Alert!
Happy to share that our article “Following the Free Officers: Explaining the Politics of Coup Contagion & Containment” — co-authored with @drpowell.bsky.social — is forthcoming in International Studies Review.
Are coups actually contagious, and if so, how?
🧵 below (1/)
Happy to share that our article “Following the Free Officers: Explaining the Politics of Coup Contagion & Containment” — co-authored with @drpowell.bsky.social — is forthcoming in International Studies Review.
Are coups actually contagious, and if so, how?
🧵 below (1/)
Reposted by Dr. Salah Ben Hammou
Civil society on the ground is alleging that the incumbent, Embaló, instigated the coup and handed power to the military to stop the release of election results. If true, this would be an example of a common trend where losing incumbents instigate coups to stop the opposition’s ascent.
Guinea-Bissau rocked by coup.
Military officials in Guinea-Bissau say they have seized "total control" of the west African country, arresting its president, closing its borders and suspending its electoral process three days after general elections
u.afp.com/ShdA
Military officials in Guinea-Bissau say they have seized "total control" of the west African country, arresting its president, closing its borders and suspending its electoral process three days after general elections
u.afp.com/ShdA
November 27, 2025 at 6:58 AM
Civil society on the ground is alleging that the incumbent, Embaló, instigated the coup and handed power to the military to stop the release of election results. If true, this would be an example of a common trend where losing incumbents instigate coups to stop the opposition’s ascent.
If this is what actually happened, then Embaló would do well to remember that even incumbents and civilians close to power who instigate coups are often shortchanged by their allies in fatigues once the dust settles.
Civil society on the ground is alleging that the incumbent, Embaló, instigated the coup and handed power to the military to stop the release of election results. If true, this would be an example of a common trend where losing incumbents instigate coups to stop the opposition’s ascent.
Guinea-Bissau rocked by coup.
Military officials in Guinea-Bissau say they have seized "total control" of the west African country, arresting its president, closing its borders and suspending its electoral process three days after general elections
u.afp.com/ShdA
Military officials in Guinea-Bissau say they have seized "total control" of the west African country, arresting its president, closing its borders and suspending its electoral process three days after general elections
u.afp.com/ShdA
November 27, 2025 at 11:41 AM
If this is what actually happened, then Embaló would do well to remember that even incumbents and civilians close to power who instigate coups are often shortchanged by their allies in fatigues once the dust settles.
Civil society on the ground is alleging that the incumbent, Embaló, instigated the coup and handed power to the military to stop the release of election results. If true, this would be an example of a common trend where losing incumbents instigate coups to stop the opposition’s ascent.
Guinea-Bissau rocked by coup.
Military officials in Guinea-Bissau say they have seized "total control" of the west African country, arresting its president, closing its borders and suspending its electoral process three days after general elections
u.afp.com/ShdA
Military officials in Guinea-Bissau say they have seized "total control" of the west African country, arresting its president, closing its borders and suspending its electoral process three days after general elections
u.afp.com/ShdA
November 27, 2025 at 6:58 AM
Civil society on the ground is alleging that the incumbent, Embaló, instigated the coup and handed power to the military to stop the release of election results. If true, this would be an example of a common trend where losing incumbents instigate coups to stop the opposition’s ascent.
A military coup appears to have happened in Guinea-Bissau. The warning signs were there, leading up to Sunday's elections. @drpowell.bsky.social & I wrote about these warning signs last week over at @africa.theconversation.com.
theconversation.com/guinea-bissa...
theconversation.com/guinea-bissa...
Guinea-Bissau’s presidential poll has already failed the credibility test
What’s at stake in Guinea-Bissau’s election is a wider regional crisis in which incumbents erode legitimacy.
theconversation.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:22 PM
A military coup appears to have happened in Guinea-Bissau. The warning signs were there, leading up to Sunday's elections. @drpowell.bsky.social & I wrote about these warning signs last week over at @africa.theconversation.com.
theconversation.com/guinea-bissa...
theconversation.com/guinea-bissa...
Reposted by Dr. Salah Ben Hammou
📢 New Paper Alert!
Happy to share that our article “Following the Free Officers: Explaining the Politics of Coup Contagion & Containment” — co-authored with @drpowell.bsky.social — is forthcoming in International Studies Review.
Are coups actually contagious, and if so, how?
🧵 below (1/)
Happy to share that our article “Following the Free Officers: Explaining the Politics of Coup Contagion & Containment” — co-authored with @drpowell.bsky.social — is forthcoming in International Studies Review.
Are coups actually contagious, and if so, how?
🧵 below (1/)
November 17, 2025 at 1:05 PM
📢 New Paper Alert!
Happy to share that our article “Following the Free Officers: Explaining the Politics of Coup Contagion & Containment” — co-authored with @drpowell.bsky.social — is forthcoming in International Studies Review.
Are coups actually contagious, and if so, how?
🧵 below (1/)
Happy to share that our article “Following the Free Officers: Explaining the Politics of Coup Contagion & Containment” — co-authored with @drpowell.bsky.social — is forthcoming in International Studies Review.
Are coups actually contagious, and if so, how?
🧵 below (1/)
Reposted by Dr. Salah Ben Hammou
I wrote this essay in the current Sudan issue of Transition Magazine titled "The Politics of Hunger" which argues that the current hunger crisis has been decades in the making. It begins with Nimeiri and looks at US engagement over the decades.
transitionmagazine.fas.harvard.edu/the-politics...
transitionmagazine.fas.harvard.edu/the-politics...
The Politics of Hunger in Sudan – Transition Magazine
transitionmagazine.fas.harvard.edu
November 11, 2025 at 4:13 PM
I wrote this essay in the current Sudan issue of Transition Magazine titled "The Politics of Hunger" which argues that the current hunger crisis has been decades in the making. It begins with Nimeiri and looks at US engagement over the decades.
transitionmagazine.fas.harvard.edu/the-politics...
transitionmagazine.fas.harvard.edu/the-politics...
ICYMI
📢 New Paper Alert!
Happy to share that our article “Following the Free Officers: Explaining the Politics of Coup Contagion & Containment” — co-authored with @drpowell.bsky.social — is forthcoming in International Studies Review.
Are coups actually contagious, and if so, how?
🧵 below (1/)
Happy to share that our article “Following the Free Officers: Explaining the Politics of Coup Contagion & Containment” — co-authored with @drpowell.bsky.social — is forthcoming in International Studies Review.
Are coups actually contagious, and if so, how?
🧵 below (1/)
November 18, 2025 at 2:26 PM
ICYMI
📢 New Paper Alert!
Happy to share that our article “Following the Free Officers: Explaining the Politics of Coup Contagion & Containment” — co-authored with @drpowell.bsky.social — is forthcoming in International Studies Review.
Are coups actually contagious, and if so, how?
🧵 below (1/)
Happy to share that our article “Following the Free Officers: Explaining the Politics of Coup Contagion & Containment” — co-authored with @drpowell.bsky.social — is forthcoming in International Studies Review.
Are coups actually contagious, and if so, how?
🧵 below (1/)
November 17, 2025 at 1:05 PM
📢 New Paper Alert!
Happy to share that our article “Following the Free Officers: Explaining the Politics of Coup Contagion & Containment” — co-authored with @drpowell.bsky.social — is forthcoming in International Studies Review.
Are coups actually contagious, and if so, how?
🧵 below (1/)
Happy to share that our article “Following the Free Officers: Explaining the Politics of Coup Contagion & Containment” — co-authored with @drpowell.bsky.social — is forthcoming in International Studies Review.
Are coups actually contagious, and if so, how?
🧵 below (1/)
Had the pleasure to join the good folks over at the Centre for African Conflict & Development to offer my perspective on the Madagascar coup and other related developments in their latest podcast episode.
open.spotify.com/episode/18ea...
open.spotify.com/episode/18ea...
EP 108: The Recent Coup in Madagascar with Dr Salah Ben Hammou
open.spotify.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Had the pleasure to join the good folks over at the Centre for African Conflict & Development to offer my perspective on the Madagascar coup and other related developments in their latest podcast episode.
open.spotify.com/episode/18ea...
open.spotify.com/episode/18ea...
Reposted by Dr. Salah Ben Hammou
Protestors in Madagascar are now confronting the reality that the military—once an ally to their cause—now holds the reins of power.
Madagascar’s ‘Coupvolution’ Is Following a Familiar Pattern
Gen Z protesters now have buyer’s remorse.
foreignpolicy.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Protestors in Madagascar are now confronting the reality that the military—once an ally to their cause—now holds the reins of power.
Reposted by Dr. Salah Ben Hammou
Happy to share my latest piece at Foreign Policy w/ @drpowell.bsky.social. Madagascar’s recent coup reflects a wider “coupvolution” trend - civilians help topple leaders, only to be sidelined once the military takes over. Here's what they can do.
foreignpolicy.com/2025/11/06/m...
foreignpolicy.com/2025/11/06/m...
Madagascar’s ‘Coupvolution’ Is Following a Familiar Pattern
Gen Z protesters now have buyer's remorse.
foreignpolicy.com
November 6, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Happy to share my latest piece at Foreign Policy w/ @drpowell.bsky.social. Madagascar’s recent coup reflects a wider “coupvolution” trend - civilians help topple leaders, only to be sidelined once the military takes over. Here's what they can do.
foreignpolicy.com/2025/11/06/m...
foreignpolicy.com/2025/11/06/m...
Happy to share my latest piece at Foreign Policy w/ @drpowell.bsky.social. Madagascar’s recent coup reflects a wider “coupvolution” trend - civilians help topple leaders, only to be sidelined once the military takes over. Here's what they can do.
foreignpolicy.com/2025/11/06/m...
foreignpolicy.com/2025/11/06/m...
Madagascar’s ‘Coupvolution’ Is Following a Familiar Pattern
Gen Z protesters now have buyer's remorse.
foreignpolicy.com
November 6, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Happy to share my latest piece at Foreign Policy w/ @drpowell.bsky.social. Madagascar’s recent coup reflects a wider “coupvolution” trend - civilians help topple leaders, only to be sidelined once the military takes over. Here's what they can do.
foreignpolicy.com/2025/11/06/m...
foreignpolicy.com/2025/11/06/m...
Reposted by Dr. Salah Ben Hammou
As we see a rise in coups across Africa, Salah Ben Hammou (@salahbhpolisci.bsky.social) and Jonathan Powell (@drpowell.bsky.social) have been making significant contributions to conversations about coups around the world, including in AF&S! Find their articles here: journals.sagepub.com/home/afs
Sharing my new article co-authored with @drpowell.bsky.social over at The Conversation on the coup in Madagascar. We explore what happens when regional organizations preach democracy but protect incumbents. This disconnect fuels instability and public distrust.
theconversation.com/madagascar-c...
theconversation.com/madagascar-c...
Madagascar coup: why turning a blind eye to an unpopular president weakens regional bodies
As Malagasy citizens demanded accountability, international institutions conferred legitimacy on a president with dubious democratic credentials.
theconversation.com
October 27, 2025 at 8:01 PM
As we see a rise in coups across Africa, Salah Ben Hammou (@salahbhpolisci.bsky.social) and Jonathan Powell (@drpowell.bsky.social) have been making significant contributions to conversations about coups around the world, including in AF&S! Find their articles here: journals.sagepub.com/home/afs
Sharing my new article co-authored with @drpowell.bsky.social over at The Conversation on the coup in Madagascar. We explore what happens when regional organizations preach democracy but protect incumbents. This disconnect fuels instability and public distrust.
theconversation.com/madagascar-c...
theconversation.com/madagascar-c...
Madagascar coup: why turning a blind eye to an unpopular president weakens regional bodies
As Malagasy citizens demanded accountability, international institutions conferred legitimacy on a president with dubious democratic credentials.
theconversation.com
October 21, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Sharing my new article co-authored with @drpowell.bsky.social over at The Conversation on the coup in Madagascar. We explore what happens when regional organizations preach democracy but protect incumbents. This disconnect fuels instability and public distrust.
theconversation.com/madagascar-c...
theconversation.com/madagascar-c...
Madagascar appears to be following the pattern seen in other recent post-coup states, where the military chooses to retain power rather than hand it over to civilian authorities: www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10...
Madagascar’s new army ruler to be sworn in as Rajoelina confirms departure
Military leader to take his oath as president on Friday as African Union calls for the restoration of civilian rule.
www.aljazeera.com
October 16, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Madagascar appears to be following the pattern seen in other recent post-coup states, where the military chooses to retain power rather than hand it over to civilian authorities: www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10...
Reposted by Dr. Salah Ben Hammou
Guess it’s safe to share now: I’ve recently relocated to Abu Dhabi, UAE, in light of the rollbacks on DACA and increased targeting of its recipients in the U.S. Grateful to Rice University & the Baker Institute for making it possible to continue my postdoc. Open to any resources from folks here
September 12, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Guess it’s safe to share now: I’ve recently relocated to Abu Dhabi, UAE, in light of the rollbacks on DACA and increased targeting of its recipients in the U.S. Grateful to Rice University & the Baker Institute for making it possible to continue my postdoc. Open to any resources from folks here
Guess it’s safe to share now: I’ve recently relocated to Abu Dhabi, UAE, in light of the rollbacks on DACA and increased targeting of its recipients in the U.S. Grateful to Rice University & the Baker Institute for making it possible to continue my postdoc. Open to any resources from folks here
September 12, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Guess it’s safe to share now: I’ve recently relocated to Abu Dhabi, UAE, in light of the rollbacks on DACA and increased targeting of its recipients in the U.S. Grateful to Rice University & the Baker Institute for making it possible to continue my postdoc. Open to any resources from folks here
Reposted by Dr. Salah Ben Hammou
Sharing my latest with @foreignpolicy.com - it isn't just the seizure of power that spreads during coup contagion. Strategies to consolidate power do, too. foreignpolicy.com/2025/07/09/c...
Coup Leaders Are Rewriting Their Playbook
Even when transitions end in elections, the goal is not to exit power but rather to entrench it.
foreignpolicy.com
July 9, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Sharing my latest with @foreignpolicy.com - it isn't just the seizure of power that spreads during coup contagion. Strategies to consolidate power do, too. foreignpolicy.com/2025/07/09/c...
Sharing my latest with @foreignpolicy.com - it isn't just the seizure of power that spreads during coup contagion. Strategies to consolidate power do, too. foreignpolicy.com/2025/07/09/c...
Coup Leaders Are Rewriting Their Playbook
Even when transitions end in elections, the goal is not to exit power but rather to entrench it.
foreignpolicy.com
July 9, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Sharing my latest with @foreignpolicy.com - it isn't just the seizure of power that spreads during coup contagion. Strategies to consolidate power do, too. foreignpolicy.com/2025/07/09/c...
ICYMI
Sharing my latest w/ the Conversation @africa.theconversation.com theconversation.com/coups-in-wes...
Coups in west Africa have five things in common: knowing what they are is key to defending democracy
Five years since the Mali coup of 2020, the key lesson is that the international community must move beyond the view of coups as isolated events.
theconversation.com
July 7, 2025 at 12:26 PM
ICYMI
Reposted by Dr. Salah Ben Hammou
Sharing my latest w/ the Conversation @africa.theconversation.com theconversation.com/coups-in-wes...
Coups in west Africa have five things in common: knowing what they are is key to defending democracy
Five years since the Mali coup of 2020, the key lesson is that the international community must move beyond the view of coups as isolated events.
theconversation.com
July 6, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Sharing my latest w/ the Conversation @africa.theconversation.com theconversation.com/coups-in-wes...
Sharing my latest w/ the Conversation @africa.theconversation.com theconversation.com/coups-in-wes...
Coups in west Africa have five things in common: knowing what they are is key to defending democracy
Five years since the Mali coup of 2020, the key lesson is that the international community must move beyond the view of coups as isolated events.
theconversation.com
July 6, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Sharing my latest w/ the Conversation @africa.theconversation.com theconversation.com/coups-in-wes...
Don’t have much in me to give a thorough analysis of the recent developments, so I’ll leave you with this: this shit is bad and will likely worsen. That is all.
June 10, 2025 at 1:50 AM
Don’t have much in me to give a thorough analysis of the recent developments, so I’ll leave you with this: this shit is bad and will likely worsen. That is all.
Reposted by Dr. Salah Ben Hammou
I remember when I started grad school I had no idea what a postdoc was or how to get one. We have an all-star line up including @salahbhpolisci.bsky.social, @erincikanek.bsky.social,
Leann Mclaren, and Sherry Zaks with myself and India Lenear moderating!
Leann Mclaren, and Sherry Zaks with myself and India Lenear moderating!
Demystifying Post-Docs: Virtual Workshop Series: APSA Status Committee on Graduate Students in the Profession
Demystifying Post-Docs Wednesday, April 30, 2025 3:00 p.m. Eastern | Register Here Join the APSA Committee on the Status of Graduate Students in the Profession for a virtual workshop…
Demystifying Post-Docs Wednesday, April 30, 2025 3:00 p.m. Eastern | Register Here Join the APSA Committee on the Status of Graduate Students in the Profession for a virtual workshop…
Demystifying Post-Docs: Virtual Workshop Series: APSA Status Committee on Graduate Students in the Profession
Demystifying Post-Docs Wednesday, April 30, 2025 3:00 p.m. Eastern | Register Here Join the APSA Committee on the Status of Graduate Students in the Profession for a virtual workshop sharing best practices and uncovering the hidden curriculum surrounding the post-doc. Post-docs are a common entry point for new political science PhDs to enter the academic workforce while advancing their research and teaching portfolio.
politicalsciencenow.com
April 21, 2025 at 10:17 PM
I remember when I started grad school I had no idea what a postdoc was or how to get one. We have an all-star line up including @salahbhpolisci.bsky.social, @erincikanek.bsky.social,
Leann Mclaren, and Sherry Zaks with myself and India Lenear moderating!
Leann Mclaren, and Sherry Zaks with myself and India Lenear moderating!