Esau Williams researches the theory and ontology of the state in Africa and its linkages to conflict, instability, and underdevelopment.

Williams holds an MA in International Political Economy awarded by King's. His dissertation entitled, 'A Realist Inquiry into Governance: Decision-making in the European Union', draws upon realist theories in the field of International Relations to explain why the EU's existing cooperative framework ultimately leads to tensions in political and economic policies.

Williams graduated with a BA (Hons) in Politics with Philosophy from Royal Holloway, University of London; and a BA in Philosophy from Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas.

Research

Thesis title: 'A Philosophical Inquiry into the Theory and Ontology of the African State as Source and Driver of Conflict, Instability, and Underdevelopment: Re-imagining Leadership.'

The thesis inquires into the theory and ontology of the African state within a research context. It interrogates the nature of the state in Africa, advancing the argument that the state itself – its origins, structures, practices, and legitimating discourses – has been both the source and the driver of conflict, insecurity, and underdevelopment on the continent.

Building upon critical political theory, postcolonial studies, and African political economy, the research questions the presumed neutrality and developmental capacity of the state, instead situating it as a contested institution whose historical evolution and ontological foundations embed patterns of exclusion, domination, and violence.

The thesis also critically engages with discourses of leadership, showing how African leaders fail to unite diverse ethnic groups and instead, divide citizens with tribal politics being rewarded at the expense of national unity.

PhD supervision

• Principal supervisor: Professor Abiodun Alao
• Secondary supervisor: Dr Clement Sefa-Nyarko

Further details

See Esau's research profile