UNM LAII announces incoming Mexico Studies chair

The Latin American and Iberian Institute (LAII) at The University of New Mexico has announced the appointment of Professor Rafael Velázquez Flores as the incoming Mexico Studies Chair. This position has been established through a partnership between UNM and the Fulbright-García Robles program, as part of a four-year agreement between the LAII and COMEXUS, the U.S.-Mexico Commission for Educational and Cultural Exchange.

Velázquez presents a talk titled Mexican Democracy, Foreign Policy, and Perspectives on US-Mexican Relationships on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 3 p.m. in the Reading Room (third floor) of Ortega Hall.

COMEXUS is a non-profit that represents a binational effort between the U.S. and Mexico to promote educational and cultural exchange for students, faculty, and researchers from both countries.

"We are delighted to partner with COMEXUS and UNM's Department of Political Science to host Fulbright-García Robles scholar Dr. Rafael Velázquez as the Mexico Studies Chair. His expertise and perspective on issues that significantly impact people and politics on both sides of the Mexico-US border are particularly valuable and welcome. It's an honor to have him at UNM this semester," said LAII Director Frances Hayashida.

Velázquez brings a wealth of experience in foreign policy, international relations, para-diplomacy, and U.S.-Mexican relations. His current research at UNM focuses on Mexico's foreign policy and its relationship with the United States, exploring the dynamics of conflict and cooperation between the two nations. His analysis will center on the bilateral agenda, particularly key areas such as trade, security, and immigration, aiming to identify sources of tension and collaboration opportunities.

"Being a Fulbright Mexico Studies Chair at the Latin American and Iberian Institute at UNM has been a wonderful experience. The academic environment is fantastic. The professors at the LAII have been very nice, and the students are excellent. Besides, the university facilities are superb and it is a great pleasure to work here. I am teaching a course on Foreign Policy and U.S.-Mexican Relationships and students are interested in the subject. I am also researching on U.S.-Mexican relationships and I have found interesting sources at the University library. I am sure I will be enjoying my stay at UNM," Velázquez said.

Velázquez holds a Ph.D. in International Studies from the University of Miami and an M.A. in International Relations from the National University of Mexico. He has previously held faculty positions at Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Universidad de Mar in Oaxaca, and the University of Quintana Roo.

Currently, he is teaching a graduate-level course titled Foreign Policy and U.S.-Mexican Relationships. This course has two primary objectives: first, to introduce students to the Mexican foreign policy decision-making process, including the domestic and external factors that shape policy actions; and second, to analyze contemporary U.S.-Mexican bilateral relations, with a focus on the current bilateral agenda.

Velázquez will present a talk titled Mexican Democracy, Foreign Policy, and Perspectives on US-Mexican Relationships on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 3 p.m. in the Reading Room (third floor) of Ortega Hall.

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