Paula Akakpo
MIT Department: Political Science
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Noah Nathan
Undergraduate Institution: American University
Website:
Biography
Paula Akakpo is a senior at American University majoring in International Studies.During her sophomore year, Paula was an Olson Scholar at American University, where she pursued advanced research on African authoritarianism. Following this program, Paula participated in the American University Summer Scholar and Artist Program, which allowed her to conduct archival work and interviews in Lomé, Togo, during the summer of 2024.In 2025, she was a School of International Service Delegate to the National Conference ofUndergraduate Research, where she presented her research from the previous year. At MIT,Paula is conducting research at the MIT Global Diversity Lab under the mentorship of Dr.Noah Nathan, and she is a research assistant for Dr. Adam Berinsky. Her research project focuses on African immigrant political integration in the United States. After graduation, Paula hopes to continue her studies with the goal of being a human rights scholar and advocate.
Abstract
African Immigrant Political Socialization & Voting Preference
Paula Makafui Akakpo1
1School of International Service, American University
Since the 1960s, the United States has faced major changes in the composition of its immigrant populations. Today, people of African origin make up 42% of the country’s foreign-born Black population, up from 23% in 2000. When African immigrants arrive in Western nations, they often face starkly different social and political societies, in comparison to their home nations. Firstly, politics in the US is incredibly polarized, and secondly, religion does not dominate society. Though many academics have looked at the political preferences of Black immigrants in general, scholars often highlight that research on immigrant groups should consider country of origin. Therefore, considering these circumstances, how do African migrants reconcile their political backgrounds, social values, and religious beliefs within their new social and political environments? In this work, I will conduct interviews in the DMV area with Sub-Saharan African immigrants who are US citizens. Interviewees will be asked questions on their political beliefs before arriving in the US, their religious values, and their political affiliations in the US. Ultimately, this study will contribute to the understanding of voter preferences within immigrant groups, particularly those whose preferences are largely influenced by their home countries.
