Carlos Aguirre

Carlos Aguirre is a Professor of History at the University of Oregon, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), the Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies (CLLAS), and SAIL. His research focuses on Latin American intellectual history, prison systems, and 19th-20th century social dynamics. He has authored/co-authored seminal works like *The Criminals of Lima and Their Worlds* (2005) and *La ciudad y los perros. Biografía de una novela* (2015), exploring topics ranging from penal institutions to the cultural impact of Mario Vargas Llosa's seminal novel. Aguirre's scholarship bridges social history, cultural analysis, and political critique, with a particular emphasis on Peru's socio-political contexts. His work often highlights marginalized voices, such as enslaved populations and criminalized groups, within broader historical narratives.

His research interests include the intersection of literature and politics, the history of libraries, and the role of intellectuals in Latin American revolutions. Aguirre has collaborated extensively with scholars like Charles Walker and Ricardo Salvatore on volumes analyzing crime, violence, and cultural production. He has held visiting positions and lectured globally, contributing to academic networks in Peru, Spain, and beyond. His publications reflect a commitment to interdisciplinary approaches, blending archival research with theoretical frameworks from sociology and cultural studies.

Recent projects include studies on Soviet-Latin American cultural exchanges, the 1971 Casa de las Américas Prize, and the socio-cultural dimensions of Lima’s penal system. Aguirre’s work is characterized by meticulous archival work and a focus on recovering forgotten narratives, such as the experiences of incarcerated women and the impact of military regimes on Peruvian society. His contributions have been recognized through grants and invitations to contribute to major academic initiatives, reflecting his stature as a leading scholar in Latin American history.