Craig Arceneaux

Craig Arceneaux is a Professor in the Department of Political Science at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He joined the faculty in 2001 after completing his M.A. at The Ohio State University and his Ph.D. at the University of California, Riverside. His academic career includes previous positions as Associate Professor (2005-2010) and Assistant Professor (2001-2005) at Cal Poly, as well as adjunct positions at several California universities including UC Riverside, CSU San Marcos, CSU Fullerton, and CSU Long Beach.

Dr. Arceneaux's educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California at Riverside (1997)
• M.A. in Political Science from The Ohio State University (1991)
• B.A. in Political Science with Economics Minor from California State University, Fullerton (1989)

His research focuses on Latin American Politics, particularly examining democratic transitions, civil-military relations, and comparative political institutions. Dr. Arceneaux has published extensively in these areas, including four books and numerous peer-reviewed articles in prestigious journals such as Comparative Political Studies, Latin American Politics and Society, and Armed Forces and Society. His scholarly trajectory shows a progression from early work on military regimes and democratic transitions to contemporary analyses of democratic quality, electoral integrity, and the influence of non-traditional political actors like evangelical groups on Latin American politics.

Dr. Arceneaux's publication record demonstrates a consistent commitment to understanding the complex interplay between domestic political institutions and international influences on political change in Latin America. Recent work with the Electoral Integrity Project reflects his engagement with contemporary democratic challenges across the Americas.

Dr. Arceneaux teaches courses including Latin American Politics, Democracy and Authoritarianism, Global Political Issues, Introduction to Comparative Politics, and Peace and War. He coordinates the Model United Nations program, leading students to conferences across the United States and internationally in Brazil, Canada, China, and Ecuador. He has played a key role in developing Cal Poly's study abroad programs in Mexico, Spain, and Peru, significantly enhancing students' educational experiences through these international opportunities.

His professional service includes active membership in the Latin American Studies Association and the Western Political Science Association, reflecting his engagement with the broader academic community in his field of expertise.