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Fulbright Scholar set to depart for Africa

The headlines and photos begin to tell the tragic story of 5 million lives lost from genocide, malnutrition, disease and violence, but Patrick Cannon wants students to gain a better understanding of what is known as “Africa’s First World War.”

He’s headed to the Democratic Republic of Congo to do just that.

News reports on Africa “give detailed reporting on a conflict,” the Sacramento State professor of government says, “but the analysis of the cause of the conflict may be superficial. I can observe the complexity of what’s taking place, and that experience will enhance the content of my courses.”

Cannon was one of three Sacramento State faculty members to receive a prestigious Fulbright Scholar grant this year to lecture or conduct research overseas.  He is set to depart for the University of Kinshasa in late December and stay until August 2009.

He will teach two courses -- Theories of International Relations and International Political Economy with an emphasis on African development -- that complement what the African university offers now, and guest lecture in other professors’ classes.

“I’ll be speaking on a variety of subjects, including the 2008 American presidential elections, which I’m very excited to talk about,” he says.

Another topic will be U.S. foreign policy toward Africa, which Cannon says “has not always been positive.”

“The reception I expect to receive on that subject will be mixed,” he says.  As a result, he is looking forward to trying to engage those who may be cynical or suspicious.

 “Part of the Fulbright program is to foster dialogue and create mutual understanding,” Cannon says, “and I think addressing these controversial issues and admitting the U.S. has been culpable in some problematic actions is a first step in creating a better relationship.”

Cannon also will advise students who want to study in the United States and assist University of Kinshasa faculty with curriculum development.

“It will be a true collaboration,” he says. “Not only will I consult with them on what to teach, they can advise me on what to emphasize when I’m teaching African politics here at Sacramento State.”

Sacramento State President Alexander Gonzalez says students will “benefit a great deal” from Cannon’s experience.

“I am elated that professor Cannon’s work in the Democratic Republic of Congo will add a rare perspective to his classes here on campus,” Gonzalez says.

Being a Fulbright scholar provides a global leadership example to students, Cannon says. “This trip shows how one can become engaged with the world and that you don’t have to be rich or famous to address issues like poverty alleviation and social development. … By studying Africa, students can become aware of why that marginalization is taking place.”

Sacramento State Provost Joseph Sheley praises Cannon’s work as an example of the University’s growing international influence.

“Sacramento State’s location in the nation’s most important state capital has long given our students a tremendous advantage,” Sheley says.  “With his Fulbright award, professor Cannon will now be able to share his considerable expertise in government with students across the globe.”

For Cannon, one of the many benefits of the Fulbright is that he’ll be able to live and practice what he teaches.

“I’ll be in the capital of a developing African country, able to witness the economic reconstruction of the country. As a result, it makes me more dedicated to what I teach, and when I come back to the classroom, I’m that much more excited about it.”