Institute of Development Studies

Biography

Tam is a DPhil student working on traditional authority in Malawi. Her research examines how structural changes have affected the relationship between chiefs, the state and subject-citizens, with a particular interest in whether chiefs act in the common interest of their subjects. Tam has an interdisciplinary background with degrees in history, politics and international relations. Before joining IDS, she spent 5 years as a researcher and policy advisor at the Overseas Development Institute working on politics, governance and aid.

Thematic Expertise

Governance; Politics and Power.

Geographic Expertise

Sub Saharan Africa; Malawi.

Selected Publications »»

• Cammack, D., Kanyongolo, F. and O’Neil, T. (2009) ''Town Chiefs' in Malawi', APPP Working Paper 3, London: Africa Power and Politics Programme
• Kolstad, I., Fritz, V. and O’Neil, T. (2008) 'Corruption, Anti-Corruption Efforts and Aid: Do Donors Have the Right Approach? ', ABIA Working Paper 3, London: Overseas Development Institute
• Cammack, D., Golooba-Mutebi, F., Kanyongolo, F. and O'Neil, T. (2007) 'Neopatrimonial Politics, Decentralisation and Local Government', ABIA Working Paper 2, London: Overseas Development Institute
• O'Neil, T. (2007) 'Neopatrimonialism and Public Sector Performance and Reform', ABIA Background Note 1, London: Overseas Development Institute
• O’Neil, T., Foresti, M. and Hudson, A. (2007) 'Evaluation of Citizen’s Voice and Accountability: Review of the Literature and Donor Approaches' , London: Overseas Development Institute
• O'Neil, T. (2006) Human Rights and Poverty Reduction: Realities, Controversies and Strategies, London: Overseas Development Institute
• Piron, L.-H., with O'Neil, T. (2005) 'Integrating Human Rights in Development: A Synthesis of Donor Approaches and Experiences.' Report for the OECD DAC Network on Governance, OECD Publishing