Javier Corrales is the Dwight W. Morrow 1895 professor of Political Science at Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts. He obtained his Ph.D. in government from Harvard University in 1996. He is internationally recognized as a leading expert on democratization, democratic governance, democratic backsliding, populism, and authoritarianism.

His research and teaching focuses on Latin America and Europe. In 2023, he published, Autocracy Rising, which discusses how Venezuela became a dictatorship and draws comparisons from various cases in the region. He has authored or coauthored five books, and written a great number of academic articles on democratization.

Javier periodically teaches short courses at the University of Amsterdam, and often writes opeds for The New York Times, Foreign Policy, and the Washington Post.

Growing up in a Cuban family in Puerto Rico, he never imagined his career would take him to so many exciting places throughout the world, as a researcher and a teacher. In his spare time, he enjoys sailing internationally, meeting other travelers, and giving talks on the latest research findings in his field of study.

Video >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fphqvQdqzI

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For the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America

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“US-Mexico Relations—Can We Be Friends Again?” Hear how strains have emerged in the relationship and whether there is a way to move forward.

"The Paradox of the Anglo-Caribbean: Strong Social Democracies and Social Conservatism"

"The Complicated Relationship between the United States and Puerto Rico"

“Welcome to Belize: the unique blending of British, Hispanic, African and Mayan civilizations."

“The Costa Rican Miracle: the surprising rise of a prosperous democracy in a formerly poor country.

“The Marvel of the Panama Canal.”

“Making the Caribbean Greener.”

“US-Cuba Relations: why is the conflict so difficult to solve."

"The Geopolitics of Cartagena and Havana Ports: in History and Today."

"Democratic Backsliding: Learn about the new ways that democracy is being undermined in the region"

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For South America:

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"Understanding the Chilean Miracle"

"What is Peronism and how exactly it helps explain Argentina's Social Achievements and Economic Troubles."

"Understanding Latin America's Economic Development Today: Why not that so rich and not that poor."

The Origins of Populism in the World: Brazilian and Argentine roots.

"Left and Right Wing Populism in Brazil Today: Definitions, Examples, and Tension with Liberal Democracy"

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For Europe

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"How Scandinavian Countries Reinvented Capitalism."

"The Little Country that Could: How the Netherlands Became Such a Rich Country? It started with Rembrandt"

"Right-wing and Left-Wing Populism in Europe today: What's the Difference and Does it Matter?"

"The triumph of democracy in Spain."

"From Pax Britannica to Pax Americana: Discover recent theories about the origins and decline of great power"

"What the Ancient Greeks Can Teach Us About Great Power Conflict Today"

"From Europhoria to Euroskepticism/"

I have offered lectures for Viking Ocean Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Windstar Star Legend, and Holland America, as well as for trips for alums from the college where I teach. I am constantly doing public speaking in the US and abroad for nonacademic audiences.

The following recent Cruise History has been recorded for this candidate.