Dr. Okbazghi Yohannes, Professor Emeritus of Political Science

Dr. Okbazghi Yohannes, 1951-2025

It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of Dr. Okbazghi Yohannes, Professor Emeritus of Political Science, who died on January 18, 2025, at the age of 73. Dr. Yohannes was a dedicated scholar and teacher, serving on the faculty at UofL for over 20 years until his retirement in 2014.

He taught classes on international relations, African and Middle East politics, and—presciently—created courses on terrorism and political violence in the 1990s. That Yohannes was a beloved professor, his students expressed most powerfully:

"Yohannes is brilliant. One of the best professors I have ever had. He is extremely intelligent, humble, very kind and tremendously helpful. I learned even more than I expected. He lectures and leaves room for questions; don't be afraid to ask questions—he loves to hear what his students think."

"The greatest professor I've ever had at any level of my education. He is very knowledgeable about every class he teaches. I loved his classes so much that I took 2 classes and wanted to take more."

"Best class I've taken at UofL. The subject of middle eastern politics—its complexity—used to terrify me, but now I'm simply enthralled. Yohannes has an incredible mind for this subject."

Born in Ethiopia, Yohannes lost his sight due to a landmine accident during the civil war that led to Eritrea’s secession. Despite this hardship, Yohannes became a leading scholar of political conflict, publishing nine books on international political economy, environmental politics, and the political history of his country. His works include Eritrea: A Pawn in World Politics (University Press of Florida, 1991) and Water Resources and Inter-Riparian Relations in the Nile Basin (SUNY Press, 2008), which earned praise for its urgent analysis of geopolitical challenges and potential disasters.

Even in retirement, Yohannes continued to write, demonstrating his lifelong dedication to scholarship. Political Science Department Chair Tricia Gray, who served with him on the Grawemeyer Committee for the Award for Ideas on Improving World Order, had also been his student and said, "Many of us will recall how we enjoyed his service dogs and their groans as they slept at his feet during class.” His wife, Tamara Yohannes, was a valued member of the UofL community as term faculty and an advisor in the Department of English for many years. According to his wishes, no memorial service was held, and his family published this brief obituary.

Dr. Yohannes’ legacy endures through his scholarship, his students, and the profound impact he had on our academic community. He will be deeply missed.

Sincerely, 

Dayna Touron, Ph.D.
Dean