Cristina Beltran

Cristina Beltrán is an Associate Professor at New York University’s College of Arts & Science, specializing in political theory with a focus on race, ethnicity, and democracy. She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Rutgers University and a B.A. in Politics from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her research explores modern political theory, Latinx politics, African American political thought, and the intersections of race, gender, and aesthetics in U.S. democracy.

Beltrán’s work challenges dominant narratives of white supremacy and examines migrant suffering’s role in sustaining exclusionary democratic practices. Key publications include Cruelty as Citizenship (2020) and The Trouble with Unity (2010). She has received prestigious awards, including the APSA Ralph Bunche Award and the Adaljiza Sosa-Riddell Mentor Award.

Her articles span topics like immigrant activism, queer theory, and the queering of democracy, with recent contributions to The Washington Post and academic journals. Beltrán is actively engaged in public discourse, offering commentary on Latino voting trends, immigration policy, and racial justice through media platforms and podcasts.