Abel Djassi Amado

Associate Professor

Abel Djassi Amado joined the Simmons University Department of Political Science and International Relations in 2016. He did his undergraduate studies in International Relations at Technical University of Lisbon, Portugal, and in Political science at UMass Boston. He holds a PhD in Political Science/African Studies from Boston University. Prior to joining Simmons University, Amado had taught in other universities and colleges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. He has also co-directed the University of Rhode Island Summer Abroad in Cabo Verde for many years. Amado is an active board member of the West African Research Association (WARA), a US-based non-profit scholarly organization that promotes investigation and study of West African issues and encourages academic linkages between scholars on the two sides of Atlantic.

Beyond academia, Abel Djassi is an engaged member of the Cabo Verdean community in New England. He served as secretary to the Nos di Tchada i Amigos, Inc. and he was a board member of the now defunct National Alliance of Cabo Verdean Organizations (NACVO). His social activities also include writing for the Political Matter, an international blog focusing on African political affairs, where he analyzes domestic and international politics of Cabo Verde. Abel Djassi is married to Helia Resies and the two have a daughter, Kenya Maria.
 

Courses

  • POLS 101 Introduction to American Politics
  • POLS 215 Politics of Exclusion
  • POLS 242 Government and Politics of Africa

Research/Creative Activities

Abel Djassi’s main area of expertise and research is the African countries with Portuguese as an official language (known by the Portuguese acronym, PALOP). He pursues three major research lines: The first and primary line of research is the relationship between language policy and planning and the quality of democracy in post-colonial African states. He is interested in understanding the extent to which post-colonial language policy has created a state that is linguistically distant from its respective society. He has published an article and a book chapter on this topic. He is currently working on a book manuscript on the topic deriving from his doctoral thesis.

A second line of research relates to political history of anti-colonial nationalism in the PALOP. As a historical institutionalist, Abel Djassi understands that history matters. The understanding of contemporary political affairs in the PALOP must emphasize the period of liberation struggle—which set in motion both a path dependency while it constituted a critical juncture in their political history. He is researching for publication about political history of the PAIGC, the liberation movement that led the struggle for independence in Guinea-Bissau and Cabo Verde.

Lastly, Abel Djassi also writes about foreign policy and diplomatic relations of the PALOP. He has written two book chapters on the topic. He has written two book chapters on the diplomatic history between the United States and Cabo Verde. He is particularly interested in the new pattern of relationship between those two states, which has moved towards militarization and securitization.

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

Abel Djassi Amado in the News

View of the cupola from the quad through trees

Twelve Simmons Faculty Members Receive Promotions, Tenure, and Emerita/us Status

Last month, the Simmons Board of Trustees finalized decisions concerning the promotion, tenure, and emerita/us status of select faculty members. We are pleased to congratulate the following faculty members for their outstanding accomplishments: Promotion to the rank of Professor Daren...


Shout-outs from Students and Alums

Photo of Debora Edouard

Discovering an Empowering Atmosphere, Supportive Mentors, and Leadership Opportunities at Simmons

Neurobiology major Debora Edouard ’24 discusses her favorite moments at Simmons, her research, and her unique experience as a first-generation college student.


Photos of the six award winners

Undergraduate Recipients of 2023 Senior Scholar Award

Six seniors across the University have been selected as recipients of the 2023 Senior Scholar Award, in recognition of outstanding scholarship and contribution to a field of study.


Ifill Scholar Kaycee Jackson '23

Ifill Scholar Kaycee Jackson '23 Focuses on Race and Politics

Why did you choose to attend Simmons? I transferred to Simmons from another institution. I was interested in being challenged academically, and when I looked at the courses in the political science program at Simmons, I thought this will help...


Bria Gambrell with feminist activist Gloria Steinem at the 2019 National Women's Studies Association in San Francisco, California.

Be the Change: Bria Gambrell '19MA, '19MPP Promotes Intersectional Feminist Policy with Mass NOW

Co-Director of Mass NOW, Bria Gambrell, shares her motivation behind pursuing a dual degree in gender and cultural studies and public policy, and why she finds her position with Mass NOW so rewarding.


Sangha Kang-Le on the Great Wall of China

Sangha Kang-Le '21 Advocates for the Asian American Community

We caught up with Sangha about her internship and what inspired her to pursue a degree in political science.