Abelardo Rodríguez Sumano, Ph.D. (CLAS ’02) is a professor at the department of international studies, Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City and a Level III member of the National System of Researchers in Mexico. He also has conducted field research in Asia, Europe, Russia and the Americas. He is a guest professor in the doctoral program in national security at Mexico’s Center for Advanced Naval Studies and is the author, coordinator and editor of 18 books, including one book of poetry. In collaboration with the Center for Security Studies in the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, Professor Rodriguez gave a talk titled “From Empire to Great Power Competition: US, China, and Russia in the Americas” Nov. 12.

Reflecting on his time with CLAS, Professor Rodriguez said, “Studying for my M.A. in Latin American Studies allowed me to fulfill a dream of studying in one of the most comprehensive programs in the world. It also allowed me to develop theoretical and methodological skills that are crucial for studying decision-making processes in foreign policy toward Latin America, historical trajectories, and the relevance of analytical rigor in comparative politics. CLAS provided me with the necessary background to later build bridges between academia and decision-makers in North America and beyond, and even engage in dialogue with diplomats from Latin America, the Organization of American States, and the United Nations.”