The University of Copenhagen offers prof. Dr. Mohamed Salih an honorary doctorate in theology for his approach to African politics. According to the nomination committee professor Salih’s “approach to African politics is characterised by a constant reflection on theories of development and by an innovative synthesis of political science and anthropology… At a time where dominant trend in African political science has been to stress the globalisation of African political institutions and processes, Professor Salih has insisted upon emphasising the local perspective. Through empirical studies he has argued that an exaggerated globalisation perspective has weakened the ability of scholars and development policy makers to appreciate the local foundation of African societies. Consequently, much research has ignored the significance of local political traditions in the process of development, clearly seen in connection, for instance, with the politics of religion and ethnicity. Likewise Professor Salih has demonstrated the great analytical risks of ignoring the influence of religious and ethic factors in the study of African political development".