Dr Manu Lekunze

Biography

Dr Manu Lekunze is Lecturer in International Relations at the University of Aberdeen. He has published three books, several peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. His research has covered topics in International Security such as maritime strategy, intelligence, insurgency, political economy, complex adaptive systems, defence, and foreign policy. Ongoing research examines Africa’s place in the grand strategies of contemporary great powers like Russia, China, and the United States. The study contributes to IR theory on how great powers relate with minor/small powers in the global south.

In addition to International Security, Manu is interested in the Philosophy of Science. His research on education and its importance to national security has informed innovative policies on how developing states can use formal education systems and content to contribute to peace, security, and prosperity.

Dr Manu Lekunze convenes Conversations on African Security, which brings together leading African security experts and practitioners to discuss topical issues in African security. In addition to the UK, Conversations on African Security were held in Abuja, Nigeria, Accra, Ghana, and Bamako, Mali. In October 2024, Conversations on African Security hosted Ghana’s Minister for National Security.

Manu often acts as an International Security Analyst, and has extensive experience providing security analysis to local, national, and international print and broadcast media, including the BBC, Al-Jazeera English, TRT World and CGTN.

Research Overview

Research Interests:

• International Security
• Small War Theory
• Great Powers (US, China, Russia) and Africa
• UK-Africa Relations
• Security in West and Central Africa (including the sub-regions of the Maghreb, Sahel, and the Lake Chad, and Congo River Basins).

Current Research

Nelson Mandela once said, ‘education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ For several years, Dr Lekunze has been researching the role of education in national security. The research aims to advise innovative policies on how developing states can use formal education systems and content to contribute to peace, security, and prosperity. It will produce Continuous Profession Development (CPD) courses to strengthen the role of education in promoting peaceful co-existence and political order in security-challenged societies in the developing world.

Teaching Responsibilities

Maritime Security

African Security

Introduction to International Relations