Overview
I am Professor of Government and Public Policy. My research and teaching interests include a variety of topics related to political and economic development. Currently, my research focuses on three main areas: 1) the politics of economic reform, 2) taxation and state capacity, and 3) punitive populism and the militarization of law enforcement. My latest book, (Cambridge University Press 2022), provides insight into how to strengthen the state from a fiscal and public safety perspective drawing on experiences with elite taxation in the region. I am also the author of (Oxford University Press 2012), which studies the economic policies of left-of-center governments in Latin America, focusing on the role that party systems play in facilitating or hindering economic transformations. The book won the Latin American Studies Association Tomassini Award in 2014. I am also the editor of (Cambridge University Press 2019), which provides a comprehensive, region-wide assessment of political challenges to taxation, including public opinion, institutions, natural resources, interest groups, ideology, and state capacity.
You can find more about my research, replication data, and myself by visiting my website:
Research Focus
- the politics of economic reform
- taxation and state capacity
- punitive populism and the militarization of law enforcement
Publications
Books
- (Cambridge University Press, 2022)
- (Edited Volume, Cambridge University Press, 2019)
- (New York: Oxford University Press 2012)
Articles
鈥,鈥 Comparative Political Studies, forthcoming (with Jessica Zarkin).
- 鈥,鈥 Presidential Studies Quarterly, 53, 2 (June 2023).
- British Journal of Political Science 52, 3 (July 2022) (with Jessica Zarkin).
- Politics & Society 48, 3 (September 2020) (with Mariano S谩nchez-Talanquer).
- Perspectives on Politics 19, 2 (June 2021) (with Jessica Zarkin)
- Comparative Politics 51, 1 (October 2018).
- World Development 105, 5 (May 2018).
- Journal of Conflict Resolution 61, 5 (May 2017) (with )
- Journal of Democracy 27, 2 (April 2016)
- Studies in Comparative International Development 49,4 (December 2014)
- American Political Science Review 107, 4 (November 2013) (with Sarah Kreps)
- Journal of Politics 75:2 (April 2013) (with Sarah Kreps)
- Journal of Democracy (January 2013)
- Political Science Quarterly 127, 3 (Fall 2012)
- Comparative Politics 42, 4 (July 2010)
- Peace Review 20, 4 (Winter, 2008-2009)
In the news
- No winners in looming trade war with Mexico, Canada and China
- A new political landscape: Hispanic voters, Trump's transactional politics
- Will Mexico鈥檚 first female president take a different line on security, economy?
- Mexican judiciary reforms represent 鈥榟igh stakes gamble鈥
- Composition of Congress key aspect in Mexico election
- Panel explores rise of nationalism across the globe
- Cornell Latin American politics expert on El Salvador election
- Cornell expert: Milei鈥檚 platform 鈥榠mportant driver鈥 of significant change
- Should US send troops to fight Mexican drug cartels? It's not a good idea.
- U.S. has few options to counter rollback of elections protections in Mexico
- Student Spotlight: Angie Torres-Beltran
- How security crises can spur state-building in Latin America
- What鈥檚 next for Brazil: Cornell experts on economics, politics post-election
- In blow to U.S. diplomacy, Mexican president skips key regional summit
- Story circles foster intercultural conversations, belonging
- Migration treaty violations, trade central to U.S.-Mexico-Canada summit
- Biden immigration bill brings promise and peril
- Arrest of general in U.S. boosts AMLO鈥檚 fight against corruption
- Grants fund community-engaged learning curricula
- AMLO鈥檚 White House visit shows Mexico鈥檚 dependence on U.S.
- Alum establishes scholarship for Black students
- A storm will hit Latin American democracies
- COVID-19 impact: Gustavo Flores-Mac铆as on economic, political consequences
- Ambassadors to address border policy in Lund Debate Oct. 21
- Book examines political barriers to taxation in Latin America
- Trump鈥檚 hardball tactics could implode Mexico鈥檚 immigration system
- Whose work is it? The military or the police?
- Undergrads to present psychology research at May 9 conference
- What should the U.S. expect from Mexico's new president?
- Should the U.S. worry about meddling in Mexico鈥檚 July presidential race?
- Four unintended (and dangerous) consequences of Trump's plan to kill NAFTA
- Doctoral students present work at Stockholm conference
