Trickle-Down ethnic politics: drunk and absent in the Kenya police force (1957-1970)

International audienceHow does ethnic politics affect the state's ability to provide policing services? Using a panel of administrative personnel data on the full careers of 6,784 police officers, we show how the rise of ethnic politics around Kenya's independence influenced policemen's behavior. We find a significant deterioration in discipline after Kenya's first multiparty election for those police officers of ethnic groups associated with the ruling party. These effects are driven by a behavioral change among these policemen. We find no evidence of favoritism within the police. Instead, our results are consistent with co-ethnic officers experiencing an emboldenment effect. Our findings highlight that the state's security apparatus, at its most granular level, is not insulated from ethnic politics

Trickle-Down ethnic politics: drunk and absent in the Kenya police force (1957-1970)

International audienceHow does ethnic politics affect the state's ability to provide policing services? Using a panel of administrative personnel data on the full careers of 6,784 police officers, we show how the rise of ethnic politics around Kenya's independence influenced policemen's behavior. We find a significant deterioration in discipline after Kenya's first multiparty election for those police officers of ethnic groups associated with the ruling party. These effects are driven by a behavioral change among these policemen. We find no evidence of favoritism within the police. Instead, our results are consistent with co-ethnic officers experiencing an emboldenment effect. Our findings highlight that the state's security apparatus, at its most granular level, is not insulated from ethnic politics

Mobilizing Microbes for Bioremediation Strategies in the Context of Climate Change

Microbial remediation has emerged as a paramount strategy in addressing environmental pollution and mitigating climate change impacts. This chapter explores the dynamic interplay between pollutants, microbial communities, and climate change, emphasizing the critical role of microbial remediation in restoring ecosystems. Environmental pollutants, including heavy metals, microplastics, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), not only degrade ecosystems but also exacerbate climate change by altering atmospheric and terrestrial processes. Microbial remediation uses the natural metabolic capabilities of diverse microorganisms---bacteria, fungi, archaea, and algae---to degrade, detoxify, or immobilize these contaminants, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional methods. This chapter delves into mechanisms of microbial action, such as biodegradation, bioaccumulation, and enzyme transformation, highlighting how these processes can be optimized under varying environmental conditions. Factors such as temperature, pH, moisture, and nutrient availability critically influence microbial efficacy, necessitating tailored interventions to enhance performance. Advanced techniques, including bioaugmentation, biostimulation, and genetically engineered microbes, are discussed as promising approaches to improve resilience and efficiency against complex environmental pollutants. However, the effectiveness of microbial remediation is intricately linked to abrupt climate changes, which can alter microbial community dynamics and disrupt bioremediation processes. This chapter examines how climate-induced shifts in temperature, precipitation, and extreme weather events affect pollutant bioavailability and microbial activity, posing both challenges and opportunities. It also highlights the potential risks associated with genetically modified microorganisms and incomplete degradation pathways, underscoring the need for comprehensive risk assessments and adaptive management strategies. Looking ahead, integrating microbial remediation into broader climate change mitigation frameworks is crucial. Innovative solutions, such as microbial carbon capture cells (MCCs) and synthetic biology applications, offer new avenues for enhancing carbon sequestration and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This chapter calls for a multidisciplinary approach, combining scientific research, technological innovation, and policy support, to fully unlock the potential of microbial remediation. By harnessing the power of microbes, we can build a more sustainable and resilient future, transforming environmental challenges into opportunities for ecosystem restoration and stability in the face of climate change