BA(Hons) MA DPhil(Stell)
I am interested in the global politics of development, poverty, and inequality, and also do research on how leading powers in Africa view their role in the world order.
My DPhil is from Stellenbosch University, South Africa (1984), and I have been a visiting professor in Germany, Japan, South Africa, and Vietnam. I am a fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (Germany).
Full CV and list of publications (PDF)
Contact details
Room 4N6, 4th floor, Arts (Burns) Building
Tel +64 3 479 6549
Email philip.nel@otago.ac.nz
Research day – Friday
Selected books
 | The Politics of Economic Inequality in Developing Countries |
 | The Routledge Handbook of African Development |
| Google Scholar | |
| Mobility rules: Why New Zealanders oppose redistribution |
Publications
Nel, P. (2024). Transnational inequality and geopolitics. In Z. Cope (Ed.), The Palgrave handbook of contemporary geopolitics. (pp. 1055-1067). Cham, Swizterland: Springer Nature. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-47227-5_55 Chapter in Book - Research
Nel, P. (2024, February). Nots and crosses in Western democracies: Why the irreligious vote left but prefer right. Verbal presentation at the New Zealand Political Studies Association, Te Kāhui Tātai Tōngorapū o Aotearoa (NZPSA/TKTToA) 2023/24 Annual Conference: The Rising Pacific, Auckland, New Zealand. Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
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, 30(1), 121-152. 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
2024
Chapter in Book - Research
Nel, P. (2024). Transnational inequality and geopolitics. In Z. Cope (Ed.), The Palgrave handbook of contemporary geopolitics. (pp. 1055-1067). Cham, Swizterland: Springer Nature. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-47227-5_55
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P. (2024, February). Nots and crosses in Western democracies: Why the irreligious vote left but prefer right. Verbal presentation at the New Zealand Political Studies Association, Te Kāhui Tātai Tōngorapū o Aotearoa (NZPSA/TKTToA) 2023/24 Annual Conference: The Rising Pacific, Auckland, New Zealand.
2023
Journal - Research Article
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, 30(1), 121-152. doi: 10.1080/10220461.2023.2207557
Journal - Research Other
Nel, P. (2023). After Ian Taylor. Contemporary Voices. Advance online publication. doi: 10.15664/jtr.1670
2022
Journal - Research Article
Nel, P. (2022). Mobility rules: Why New Zealanders oppose redistribution. Kōtuitui, 17(1), 24-43. doi: 10.1080/1177083X.2021.1912121
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
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.
2021
Journal - Research Article
Nel, P. (2021). Why Africans tolerate income inequality. Journal of Modern African Studies, 59(3), 343-365. doi: 10.1017/S0022278X21000161
2020
Chapter in Book - Research
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
2019
Journal - Research Article
Nel, P. (2019). When bribery helps the poor. Review of Social Economy, 78(4), 507-531. doi: 10.1080/00346764.2019.1618482
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Nel, P. (2019). What drives African attitudes to inequality? Proceedings of the African Studies Association of Australasia and the Pacific (AFSAAP) Annual Conference. (pp. 11). Retrieved from https://afsaap.org.au/
2018
Chapter in Book - Research
Nel, P. (2018). Corruption. In T. Binns, K. Lynch & E. Nel (Eds.), The Routledge handbook of African development. (pp. 649-662). Abingdon, UK: Routledge.
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.
Journal - Research Article
Nel, P. (2018). Redistribution with African characteristics. Politikon, 45(2), 145-162. doi: 10.1080/02589346.2017.1298276
2017
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
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.
2016
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.
2015
Edited Book - Research
Nel, P., Nabers, D., & Hanif, M. (Eds.). (2015). Regional powers and global redistribution. Abingdon, UK: Routledge, 133p.
Chapter in Book - Research
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.
2013
Journal - Research Article
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
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Nel, P. (2013, December). The rise and fall of BITs. Verbal presentation at the New Zealand Political Studies Association (NZPSA) Conference, Christchurch, New Zealand.
2012
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper
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
2011
Chapter in Book - Research
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.
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
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 - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
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.
2010
Chapter in Book - Research
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.
Journal - Research Article
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
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 Other
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
2009
Edited Book - Research
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.
Chapter in Book - Research
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.
Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Nel, P. (2009). [Review of the book Globalisation and the wealth of nations]. Political Science, 61(1), 89. doi: 10.1177/00323187090610010704
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.
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.
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.
2008
Authored Book - Research
Nel, P. (2008). The politics of economic inequality in developing countries. Basingstoke, UK: Palgrave Macmillan, 206p.
Journal - Research Article
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
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
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.
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.
2007
Chapter in Book - Research
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.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
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.
2006
Edited Book - Research
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 - Other
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.
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.
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.
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 - 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.
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.
Journal - Research Article
Nel, P. (2006). El regreso de la desigualdad [The return of inequality]. Sistema, 195, 83-101.
Nel, P. (2006). The return of inequality. Third World Quarterly, 27(4), 689-706.
Other Research Output
Nel, P. (2006, May). Why all the fuss about economic inequality? University of Otago Winter Lecture Series. Auckland, New Zealand. [Public Seminar].
Nel, P. (2006, July) Revisiting global economic inequality: Connecting the local and the international. University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. [Inaugural Professorial Lecture].
2005
Journal - Research Article
Nel, P. (2005). Global Inequality Revisited [Review Article]. Global Society, 19(3), 317-327.
Nel, P. (2005). Democratization and the dynamics of income distribution in low- and middle- income countries. Politikon, 32(1), 17-44.
2004
Edited Book - Research
Nel, P., & van der Westhuizen, J. (Eds.). (2004). Democratizing foreign policy? Lessons from South Africa. Lanham: Lexington Books, 223p.
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper
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
2003
Chapter in 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.
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.
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.
Nel, P. (2003). Income inequality, economic growth, and political instability in sub-Saharan Africa. Journal of Modern African Studies, 41(4), 611-639.
2002
Edited Book - Research
Nel, P., & McGowan, P. (Eds.). (2002). Power, wealth and global equity: An international relations textbook for Africa (2nd ed.). Cape Town: UCT Press.
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.
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.
Journal - Research Article
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.
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper
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 - Edited volume of conference proceedings
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 - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
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.
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.
2001
Edited Book - Research
Nel, P. R., Taylor, I., & van der Westhuizen, J. (Eds.). (2001). South Africa's Multilateral Diplomacy and Global Change. Ashgate: Aldershot.
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.
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.
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.
2000
Authored Book - Research
Nel, P., & Jordaan, E. (2000). Workbook for power, wealth and global order: An international relations texbook for Africa. Cape Town: UCT Press.
Chapter in Book - Research
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.
Journal - Research Article
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).
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.
Nel, P. (2000, September). Public participation and the democratisation of foreign policy making. Verbal presentation at the South African Political Science Research Colloquium, Bloemfontein.
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).
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.
Nel, P. (2000, August). Equity as a global public good. Verbal presentation at the World Congress of the International Political Science Association (IPSA), Quebec.
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.
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.
1999
Edited Book - Research
Nel, P., & McGowan, P. (Eds.). (1999). Power, wealth and global order: An international relations textbook for Africa, 17. Cape Town: UCT Press.
Journal - Research Article
Nel, P. (1999). The foreign policy beliefs of South Africans: A first cut. Journal of Contemporary African Studies, 17(1), 123-146.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nel, P. (1999). Approaches to multilateralism. Verbal presentation at the Biennial Conference of the South African Political Science Association, Saldhana, South Africa.
1998
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.
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 - Other
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).
Journal - Research Article
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.
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.
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.
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.
Commissioned Report for External Body
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.
1997
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
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.