Cynthia McClintock

Cynthia McClintock is a Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at George Washington University. She holds a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her research focuses on Latin American politics, U.S. policy toward Latin America, comparative democratization, and electoral systems. She has authored influential books such as Electoral Rules and Democracy in Latin America (2018) and Revolutionary Movements in Latin America (1998). Dr. McClintock has held leadership roles, including President of the Latin American Studies Association (1994–95) and Chair of the APSA’s Section on Comparative Democratization (2003–05). Her honors include the Orden del Sol del Perú (2008) and the Lifetime Achievement Award from LASA’s Peru Section (2019). She teaches courses on Latin America’s comparative politics and international relations, emphasizing democratization and electoral reforms.

Her research explores electoral systems, revolutionary movements, and U.S.-Latin America relations. Notable publications analyze Peru’s political dynamics, electoral reforms, and the impact of ranked-choice voting. She has contributed to debates on democracy’s challenges in divided nations, including her analysis of Peru’s precarious democracy. Dr. McClintock’s work bridges academic rigor with policy relevance, addressing contemporary issues like corruption, populism, and institutional innovation in Latin America.

• Awards: Orden del Sol del Perú (2008), LASA Peru Section Lifetime Achievement Award (2019)
• Key Publications: Electoral Rules and Democracy in Latin America, Revolutionary Movements in Latin America, and articles on comparative democratization.
• Grants: Fulbright grant (1987) for teaching at Peru’s Catholic University.