Bloomberg Businessweek: ‘Crusader’s nightmare’ or not, virus threatens African security
UC's politics and religion expert Alex Thurston remarks on terrorism in COVID-19 pandemic
Academics who study jihadist groups say that while terrorist activity in Africa has picked up in recent months, it’s unclear how much of the increase is in response to the coronavirus-inspired call to arms.
in a Bloomberg Businessweek article, Alex Thurston, a political science professor at the University of Cincinnati, says that in areas where the insurgents wield effective political control, their inability to provide meaningful relief to civilians suffering from the disease would erode any support they might have among the population.
Thurston, an expert in Islam and politics in northwest Africa, is an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science in UC's College of Arts and Sciences.
Featured image of global map and virus hot spots in Africa. Photo/Unsplash/Sanchez
Related Stories
'There's a strong community here:' UC transfer student finds place in College of Arts and Sciences
October 23, 2026
This week marks National Transfer Students Week, and the College of Arts and Sciences celebrated those students Thursday. Olivia White, assistant director of recruitment, said around 13-15% of students at UC are transfer students, and with that comes its own set of challenges.
UC expert explains potential impact of Pennsylvania’s new vape product law
October 22, 2026
UC professor Ashley Merianos speaks to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about Pennsylvania’s new vape law, youth vaping prevention, enforcement challenges and possible unintended consequences.
Still the top ‘cat
October 20, 2026
The University of Cincinnati Bearcat mascot was voted Cincinnati’s favorite mascot in a Cincinnati Enquirer reader poll, earning 45.1% of the vote and topping other local favorites.