Francisco Plaza

Francisco Plaza serves as Professor of Politics in the Department of Politics within the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA), where he has taught since 2005. He is also a faculty member of the University Honors Program.

Educational Background:

• PhD in Politics, Catholic University of America
• MA in Politics, Catholic University of America
• MBA in Managerial Engineering, Universidad Metropolitana Caracas Venezuela
• BA in Systems Engineering, Universidad Metropolitana Caracas Venezuela

Professor Plaza's research focuses on political philosophy with particular emphasis on the works of Yves R. Simon, the theoretical foundations of liberal democracy, and contemporary threats to democratic stability in Latin America. His scholarship explores the philosophical underpinnings of social order, the concept of the common good in Aristotelian and Thomistic traditions, and the mechanisms through which totalitarian ideologies gain traction in vulnerable societies. His interdisciplinary approach bridges classical political philosophy with contemporary political challenges.

His recent scholarly presentations indicate a research trajectory examining the philosophical tensions within democratic theory, the linguistic dimensions of political power, and the historical patterns that enable authoritarian movements to emerge in Latin American contexts. This work demonstrates consistent engagement with both historical political thought and urgent contemporary political phenomena.

Professor Plaza brings significant practical diplomatic experience to his academic work, having served as alternate representative of Venezuela's Diplomatic Mission to the Organization of American States from 1994 to 1999. Prior to joining PBA, he founded and directed the first liberal arts program at Universidad Metropolitana in Venezuela, where he also taught political theory.