I am interested in the global politics of development, poverty, and inequality, and teach on this (POLS 211, POLS 533) and the ethics of international relations (POLS 312).
My DPhil is from Stellenbosch University, South Africa (1984), and I have been a visiting professor in Germany, Japan, and South Africa. I serve on the editorial boards of a number of international journals, and I am a fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (Germany).
Postgraduate students who are interested in issues of development, corruption, inequality, poverty, and the political consequences of natural disasters are welcome to contact me. I have supervised 22 PhDs and more than 60 other postgraduates. My ex-postgrads teach at renowned universities, including St Andrews, Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town, Leiden University, and the Berlin Social Science Center.
Nel, P. (2024). Transnational inequality and geopolitics. In Z. Cope (Ed.), Palgrave handbook of contemporary geopolitics. (Living ed.) Palgrave Macmillan. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-25399-7_55-1
Chapter in Book - Research
Nel, P. (2023). After Ian Taylor. Contemporary Voices. Advance online publication. doi: 10.15664/jtr.1670
Journal - Research Other
Amusan, T., & Nel, P. (2023). The limits of mutual benefit: A neo-mercantilist perspective on China’s economic relations with Nigeria. South African Journal of International Affairs. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1080/10220461.2023.2207557
Journal - Research Article
Ellis, L., Winter, C., Headley, J., Goldsmith, L., Patman, R., Roper, B., & Nel, P. (2022, August). World in crisis panel. Panel discussion at the Otago Politics Day School, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P. (2022). Mobility rules: Why New Zealanders oppose redistribution. Kōtuitui, 17(1), 24-43. doi: 10.1080/1177083X.2021.1912121
Journal - Research Article
Nel, P. (2021). Why Africans tolerate income inequality. Journal of Modern African Studies, 59(3), 343-365. doi: 10.1017/S0022278X21000161
Journal - Research Article
Nel, P. (2020). South Africa, BRICS, and the global governance: How SA tried to change the world and succeeded in changing itself. In S. Y. Kim (Ed.), The political economy of the BRICS countries: Volume 2: BRICS and the global economy. (pp. 83-111). London, UK: World Scientific. doi: 10.1142/9789811202308_0005
Chapter in Book - Research
Nel, P. (2019). When bribery helps the poor. Review of Social Economy, 78(4), 507-531. doi: 10.1080/00346764.2019.1618482
Journal - Research Article
Nel, P. (2018). Corruption. In T. Binns, K. Lynch & E. Nel (Eds.), The Routledge handbook of African development. (pp. 649-662). Abingdon, UK: Routledge.
Chapter in Book - Research
Nel, P. (2018). Inequality in Africa. In T. Binns, K. Lynch & E. Nel (Eds.), The Routledge handbook of African development. (pp. 104-119). Abingdon, UK: Routledge.
Chapter in Book - Research
Nel, P. (2018). Redistribution with African characteristics. Politikon, 45(2), 145-162. doi: 10.1080/02589346.2017.1298276
Journal - Research Article
Nel, P. (2017, November-December). Direct evidence on the effect of bribery on income equality. Verbal presentation at the New Zealand Political Studies Association (NZPSA) Conference: (Dis)ordering politics: Exclusion, Resistance and Participation, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P. (2016, November). The informal economy as an intervening variable. Verbal presentation at the New Zealand Political Studies Association (NZPSA) Conference, Hamilton, New Zealand.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P., Nabers, D., & Hanif, M. (2015). Introduction: Regional powers and global redistribution. In P. Nel, D. Nabers & M. Hanif (Eds.), Regional powers and global redistribution. (pp. 1-10). Abingdon, UK: Routledge.
Chapter in Book - Research
Nel, P., Nabers, D., & Hanif, M. (Eds.). (2015). Regional powers and global redistribution. Abingdon, UK: Routledge, 133p.
Edited Book - Research
Nel, P. (2013, December). The rise and fall of BITs. Verbal presentation at the New Zealand Political Studies Association (NZPSA) Conference, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P., & Taylor, I. (2013). Bugger thy neighbour? IBSA and South-South solidarity. Third World Quarterly, 34(6), 1091-1110. doi: 10.1080/01436597.2013.802507
Journal - Research Article
Nel, P. (2012). Natural disasters and political conflict: An impressionistic review and agenda. Proceedings of the International Political Science Association (IPSA) World Congress: Reshaping Power, Shifting Boundaries. Retrieved from http://paperroom.ipsa.org/papers/view/11779
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper
Nel, P. (2011, November). The political consequences of natural disasters: A review and agenda. Verbal presentation at the 7th Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Research Symposium on Multi-hazards around the Pacific Rim: Physical and Human Dimensions of Natural Hazards: From Research to Practice, Auckland, New Zealand.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P., Nabers, D., & Hanif, M. (2011). The IBSA states and global redistribution. Proceedings of the New Zealand Political Studies Association (NZPSA) Conference. (pp. 25). Retrieved from http://nzpsa.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/nzpsa-2011-conference-abstracts.pdf
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Nel, P. R. (2011). Sustainable development. In B. Badie, D. Berg-Schlosser & L. Morlino (Eds.), International encyclopedia of political science. (1st ed.) (pp. 2575-2578). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Chapter in Book - Research
Nel, P., & Nolte, D. (2010). Special section on regional powers in a changing global order [Introduction]. Review of International Studies, 36(4), 877-879. doi: 10.1017/S0260210510001348
Journal - Research Other
Mylek, I., & Nel, P. (2010). Religion and relief: The role of religion in mobilizing civil society against global poverty. Kōtuitui, 5(2), 81-97. doi: 10.1080/1177083X.2010.519391
Journal - Research Article
Nel, P., & Stephen, M. (2010). The foreign economic policies of regional powers in the developing world. In D. Flemes (Ed.), Regional leadership in the global system: Ideas, interests and strategies of regional powers. (pp. 87-90). Farnham, UK: Ashgate.
Chapter in Book - Research
Nel, P. (2010). Redistribution and recognition: What emerging regional powers want. Review of International Studies, 36(4), 951-974. doi: 10.1017/s0260210510001385
Journal - Research Article
True, J., Marquez, X., Nel, P., & Rudd, C. (2009, November-December). Teaching politics: Innovations and multi-media strategies. Panel discussion at the New Zealand Political Studies Association (NZPSA) Annual Conference, Auckland, New Zealand.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P. (2009, November-December). IBSA: The new kid/bully on the block? Verbal presentation at the New Zealand Political Studies Association (NZPSA) Annual Conference, Auckland, New Zealand.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P. (2009). [Review of the book Globalisation and the wealth of nations]. Political Science, 61(1), 89. doi: 10.1177/00323187090610010704
Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Boston, J., Nel, P., & Righarts, M. (Eds.). (2009). Climate change and security: Planning for the future. Wellington, New Zealand: Institute of Policy Studies, Victoria University of Wellington, 116p.
Edited Book - Research
Vincent, A., Smits, K., Marquez, X., Shogimen, T., Nel, P., Lam, C., Nicholls, B., Stringer, R., & Clements, K. (2009, May). Liberalism and comparative political theory. Panel discussion at the Workshop on Liberalism and Comparative Political Theory, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P. (2009). Dealing with inequality: A conversation with Islamic economics. In T. Shogimen & C. J. Nederman (Eds.), Western political thought in dialogue with Asia. (pp. 135-160). Plymouth, UK: Lexington Books.
Chapter in Book - Research
Headley, J., Reitzig, A., Nel, P., & Patman, R. (2008, June). Public opinion and New Zealand foreign policy. Verbal presentation at the 43rd University of Otago Foreign Policy School, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P. (2008). The politics of economic inequality in developing countries. Basingstoke, UK: Palgrave Macmillan, 206p.
Authored Book - Research
Nel, P. (2008, November). The good (and bad) of regarding health as a global public good. Verbal presentation at the Otago International Health Research Network Conference, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P., & Righarts, M. (2008). Natural disasters and the risk of violent civil conflict. International Studies Quarterly, 52(1), 159-185. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2478.2007.00495.x
Journal - Research Article
Nel, P., & Righarts, M. (2007, August). Natural disasters and the risk of violent civil conflict. Verbal presentation at the New Zealand Political Studies Association Annual Conference, Wellington, New Zealand.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P. (2007). When can the rabble redistribute? Democratization and income distribution in low- and middle-income countries. In W. R. Garside (Ed.), Institutions and market economies: The political economy of growth and development. (pp. 222-249). Basingstoke, UK: Palgrave Macmillan.
Chapter in Book - Research
Nel, P. (2006, May). Why all the fuss about economic inequality? University of Otago Winter Lecture Series. Auckland, New Zealand. [Public Seminar].
Other Research Output
Nel, P. (2006, July) Revisiting global economic inequality: Connecting the local and the international. University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. [Inaugural Professorial Lecture].
Other Research Output
Carlsnaes, W., & Nel, P. (Eds.). (2006). In full flight: South African foreign policy after apartheid. Midrand, South Africa: Institute for Global Dialogue, 226p.
Edited Book - Research
Nel, P. (2006). El regreso de la desigualdad [The return of inequality]. Sistema, 195, 83-101.
Journal - Research Article
Nel, P. (2006). The return of inequality. Third World Quarterly, 27(4), 689-706.
Journal - Research Article
McGowan, P. J., Cornelissen, S., & Nel, P. (Eds.). (2006). Power, wealth and global equity: An international relations textbook for Africa (3rd ed.). Cape Town, South Africa: UCT Press, 442p.
Edited Book - Other
Nel, P. (2006). Theories of international relations. In P. J. McGowan, S. Cornelissen & P. Nel (Eds.), Power, wealth and global equity: An international relations textbook for Africa. (3rd ed.) (pp. 21-45). Cape Town, South Africa: UCT Press.
Chapter in Book - Other
Nel, P. (2006). Morality and ethics in international relations. In P. J. McGowan, S. Cornelissen & P. Nel (Eds.), Power, wealth and global equity: An international relations textbook for Africa. (3rd ed.) (pp. 46-66). Cape Town, South Africa: UCT Press.
Chapter in Book - Other
Nel, P. (2006). Globalization and violent political dissent in developing countries. In R. G. Patman (Ed.), Globalization and conflict: National security in a ′new′ strategic era. (pp. 56-76). London, U.K: Routledge.
Chapter in Book - Research
Nel, P., & Carlsnaes, W. (2006). Introduction. In W. Carlsnaes & P. Nel (Eds.), In full flight: South African foreign policy after apartheid. (pp. 17-22). Midrand, South Africa: Institute for Global Dialogue.
Chapter in Book - Research
Nel, P. (2006). The power of ideas: ′Ambiguous globalism′ and South Africa's foreign policy. In W. Carlsnaes & P. Nel (Eds.), In full flight: South African foreign policy after apartheid. (pp. 108-124). Midrand, South Africa: Institute for Global Dialogue.
Chapter in Book - Research
Nel, P. (2005). Democratization and the dynamics of income distribution in low- and middle- income countries. Politikon, 32(1), 17-44.
Journal - Research Article
Nel, P. (2005). Global Inequality Revisited [Review Article]. Global Society, 19(3), 317-327.
Journal - Research Article
Nel, P. (2004). Transnational hegemony, democratisation, and redistribution in low and middle-income countries. Proceedings of the First Oceania International Studies Conference. Retrieved from http://rspas.anu.edu.au/ir/Oceanic/OCISPapers/index.html
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper
Nel, P., & van der Westhuizen, J. (Eds.). (2004). Democratizing foreign policy? Lessons from South Africa. Lanham: Lexington Books, 223p.
Edited Book - Research
Nel, P. (2003). Making Africa safe for capitalism: US policy and multilateralism in Africa. In R. Foot, S. N. MacFarlane & M. Mastanduno (Eds.), US hegemony and international organizations: The United States and multilateral institutions. (pp. 167-192). Oxford University Press.
Chapter in Book - Research
Nel, P. (2003). Income inequality, economic growth, and political instability in sub-Saharan Africa. Journal of Modern African Studies, 41(4), 611-639.
Journal - Research Article
Nel, P., & Teng-Zeng, F. (2003). Science and technology in sub-Saharan Africa: Regional cooperation in a post-national environment. Africa Insight, 33(3), 28-36.
Journal - Research Article
Nel, P., & van Wyk, J.-A. (2003). Foreign policy making in South Africa: From public participation to democratic participation. Politeia, 22(3), 49-71.
Journal - Research Article
Nel, P., & McGowan, P. (Eds.). (2002). Power, wealth and global equity: An international relations textbook for Africa (2nd ed.). Cape Town: UCT Press.
Edited Book - Research
Nel, P. (2002, October). The missing dimension: Inequality in Africa. Verbal presentation at the Research Colloquium of the South African Association of Political Science, Pretoria, South Africa.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P. (Ed.). (2002). Conference of the Centre for International and Comparative Politics: State/Society responses to globalisation: Case Studies from Japan and South Africa. Stellenbosch: University of Stellenbosch.
Conference Contribution - Edited volume of conference proceedings
Nel, P., McGowan, P., Gordon, D. R., Haluani, M., Kasimovskaya, E., …, & Šabič, Z. (2002). Teaching international relations from a regional perspective. International Studies Perspectives.3(3), (pp. 235-257). doi: 10.1111/1528-3577.00094
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper
Taylor, I., & Nel, P. (2002). 'New Africa', globalisation and the confines of elite reformism: 'Getting the rhetoric right, getting the strategy wrong. Third World Quarterly, 23(1), 163-180.
Journal - Research Article
Nel, P. (2002). Untangling the 'gamble on investment': Elite perceptions of globalization and South Africa's foreign policy during the Mandela era. In K. Adar & R. Ajulu (Eds.), Globalization and emerging trends in African states' foreign policy-making processes: A comparative perspective on southern Africa. (pp. 153-172). Ashgate: Aldershot.
Chapter in Book - Research
Nel, P. (2002). Between counter-hegemony and post-hegemony: The Rome statute and normative innovation in world politics. In A. Cooper, J. English & R. Thakur (Eds.), Enhancing global governance: Towards a new diplomacy? (pp. 152-161). Tokyo: United Nations University Press.
Chapter in Book - Research
Nel, P. R. (2002, October). Democracy, participation, and foreign policy in South Africa: A final report on a research programme. Verbal presentation at the Research Colloquium of the South African Association of Political Science, Pretoria, RSA.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P. R., Taylor, I., & van der Westhuizen, J. (Eds.). (2001). South Africa's Multilateral Diplomacy and Global Change. Ashgate: Aldershot.
Edited Book - Research
Nel, P. R. (2001, February). The construction of a reformist identity: South African foreign policy in th Mbeki era. Verbal presentation at the Annual Convention of the International Studies Association, Chicago, USA.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P. R., Smith, K., & Jordaan, E. (2001, August). The political consequences of globalisation: State/societal responses in a historical perspective. Verbal presentation at the Japan Foundation Workshop on State/Society Responses to Globalisation, Stellenbosch, RSA.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P. R. (2001, May). Global inequality: Thinking through obligations. Verbal presentation at the International Political Science Association Research Committee No. 40 Conference, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P., & Jordaan, E. (2000). Workbook for power, wealth and global order: An international relations texbook for Africa. Cape Town: UCT Press.
Authored Book - Research
Nel, P. (2000, March). Making Africa safe for capitalism: The USA and multilateralism in Africa. Verbal presentation at the The Centre for International Studies Workshop, Oxford.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P. (2000, May). Untangling the 'gamble on investment': Elite perceptions of globalisation and South Africa's foreign policy during the Mandela era. Verbal presentation at the South African Political Studies Association (SAPSA) and African Association of Political Science (AAPS) Colloquium on Globalisation, Fort Hare.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P. (2000, August). Equity as a global public good. Verbal presentation at the World Congress of the International Political Science Association (IPSA), Quebec.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P., van der Westhuizen, J., & Taylor, I. (2000, August). Mbeki's global initiative: A critique. Verbal presentation at the International Political Science Association Research Group #40 Workshop, Canada.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P. (2000, January). The USA and multilateralism on the African continent. Verbal presentation at the The Centre for International Studies Workshop, USA (Dartmouth College).
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P. (2000, September). Public participation and the democratisation of foreign policy making. Verbal presentation at the South African Political Science Research Colloquium, Bloemfontein.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P., & Jordaan, E. (2000, September). Heroism and reformism in South Africa's multilateral diplomacy: 1994-2000. Verbal presentation at the Institute for Global Dialogue Conference on South Africa's post-apartheid foreign policy: Transformation and refinement, Pretoria. Cape Town: UCT Press.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P., van der Westhuizen, J., & Taylor, I. (2000). Multilateralism in South Africa's Foreign Policy: The search for a critical rationale. Global Governace, 6(1).
Journal - Research Article
Nel, P. (2000). South Africa: The demand for legitimate multilateralism. In A. Schnabel & R. Thakur (Eds.), Kosovo and the challenge of humanitarian intervention: Selective indignation, collective intervention, and international citizenship. (pp. 245-259). New York: United Nations University Press.
Chapter in Book - Research
Nel, P., & McGowan, P. (Eds.). (1999). Power, wealth and global order: An international relations textbook for Africa, 17. Cape Town: UCT Press.
Edited Book - Research
Nel, P. (1999). Approaches to multilateralism. Verbal presentation at the Biennial Conference of the South African Political Science Association, Saldhana, South Africa.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P. (1999, October). The challenges to global governance. Verbal presentation at the 25th Anniversary Conference of the Institute for Futures Research, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P. (1999, September). Between counter-hegemony and post-hegemony: The international criminal court and normative innovation in international relations. Verbal presentation at the UN University of Waterloo Conference on the New Diplomacy, Toronto, Canada.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P., Morton, N. E., & Zvambi, M. (1999, August). Human security and transnational co-operation in South Africa. Verbal presentation at the UN Dalhousie University Workshop, Halifax, Canada. Cape Town: UCT Press.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P. (1999, September). Reaffirming multilateralism: South Africa and Kosovo crisis. Verbal presentation at the United Nations University Conference, Budapest, Hungary. Cape Town: UCT Press.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P., & Teng-Zeng, F. (1999, September). Transnational co-operation on science and technology in a post-national context: The African experience. Verbal presentation at the International Conference of the Centre for the Study of Globalisation and Regionalisation, Warwick, UK. Cape Town: UCT Press.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P. (1999). The foreign policy beliefs of South Africans: A first cut. Journal of Contemporary African Studies, 17(1), 123-146.
Journal - Research Article
Nel, P. (1998). En route to the competition state? The South African policy elite and globalisation. Commissioned by Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa's Programme on Global Change and Social Transformation. Dunedin: University of Otago. 55p.
Commissioned Report for External Body
Nel, P. (1998). A society of communities? A report card of diversity and the state system 350 years after Westphalia. Verbal presentation at the International Pluralism Colloquium, Johannesburg, South Africa. Johannesburg: SAIIA.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P. (1998, April). In defence of multilateralism: The movement of non-aligned countries in the current global order. Verbal presentation at the Foundation for Global Dialogue Conference, Pretoria, South Africa. Johannesburg: SAIIA.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P., Taylor, I., & van der Westhuizen, J. (1998, September). Multilateralism in South Africa's foreign policy. Verbal presentation at the 3rd Pan-European Congress on International Relations, Vienna, Austria.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P. (1998). The new rhetoric. In J. Mouton & J. Muller (Eds.), Theory and method in South African human sciences research: Advances and innovation. (pp. 105-128). Pretoria: HSRC.
Chapter in Book - Research
Nel, P. (1998). South Africa and the movement of non-aligned countries. In G. Mills & A. Handley (Eds.), Yearbook of South Africa's International Relations 1998/9. (pp. 137-146). Johannesburg: SAIIA.
Chapter in Book - Research
Nel, P. (1998). Idealism resurgent (and what realists should do about it): Ideas and foreign aid. South African Journal of International Relations, 5(2), 96-112.
Journal - Research Article
Nel, P. (1998). South Africa and the movement of non-aligned countries. In Fowler (Ed.), Fowler's Economic and Political Report 1998. (pp. 2-8).
Chapter in Book - Other
Nel, P., & Cornelissen, S. (1997). Japanese ODA to Africa: Trends, motives, and prospects. Verbal presentation at the Conference of the African Political Science Association, Durban.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs