Robert’s research focuses on how historical events with a global reach shape social change at an everyday level, from the impact of disease pandemics to major geopolitical realignments.
His first book, AIDS and Masculinity in the African City,examines how the AIDS epidemic has shaped African masculinities.
His current book, Eastern Horizon, focuses on the rise of China as a new force in African development. This research was awarded a generous grant from the National Science Foundation.
As part of this research, Robert organized the groundbreaking 2025 conference A Feminist Lens on Global China (see program). He is co-editing a special issue of the journal Global China Pulse based on this conference.
Beyond his interest in global health and development, Robert has also examined the global dimensions of human rights and explored the cultural significance of the Asian martial arts in Black communities in Chicago.
robert wyrod 