Assistant Professor of Political Science
Comparative Politics, International Relations, African Politics
Hollenbeck Hall 208
(937) 327-6104
soquem@wittenberg.edu
Academic Background
- B.A. Languages, Literature, and Administration, Catholic University of Angola, 2007
- M.A. Public Administration, Western Michigan University, 2012
- Ph.D. Political Science, Western Michigan University, 2022
Awards and Recognitions
- All-University Graduate Teaching Effectiveness Award, Western Michigan University, 2022
- Graduate Teaching Effectiveness Award, Western Michigan University, 2021
- Fulbright Alumni Success Story of the Month, United States Embassy in Angola, 2021
- Gwen Frostic Doctoral Fellowship, Western Michigan University, 2021
- Dissertation Completion Fellowship Award, Western Michigan University, 2020
- Howard Wolpe Scholarship for African Study, Western Michigan University, 2018 and 2020
- Civil Society Scholar Award, Open Society Foundations, 2019
- John R. Borsos Endowed Scholarship, Western Michigan University, 2018 and 2019
- Fulbright Foreign Student Award, University of South Carolina-Columbia, 2010
- Fulbright Foreign Student Award, Western Michigan University, 2010-2012
- Sonangol Scholar, Catholic University of Angola, 2004-2007
Courses Taught at Wittenberg
- POLI 102 Intro to Political Science: Comparative Politics
- POLI 209 The Politics of Developing Countries
- POLI 259 U.S. Foreign Policy
- POLI 309 Politics of sub-Saharan Africa
Research Interests
My research focuses on comparative politics of developing countries, especially those of sub-Saharan Africa. I am interested in the nexus between co-optation, repression, and service provision and their impact on authoritarian resilience. I'm also interested in the study of parallel institutions and civil society in African authoritarian contexts. Finally, I have an ongoing research interest that explores the relationship between anti pandemic measures and authoritarian resilience and anti-corruption campaigns and political exclusion.
Other Interests/Info
I joined the Wittenberg faculty in 2022. Born in Angola, I have strong interest in languages, journalism, and social justice. I am fluent in Portuguese and French and I'm a former reporter with Bloomberg News. I have also published opinion articles in media outlets in Angola, including Novo Jornal and Luanda Post. I am currently a columnist with Angola-based newspaper O Telegrama.