Francisco Villamil

Francisco Villamil is a Ramon y Cajal Associate Professor of Political Science at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid and a research fellow at the Carlos III-Juan March Institute. His academic career bridges Spanish and international institutions, with visiting positions at ICS-Lisboa and Georgetown University.

Dr. Villamil's research focuses on political violence, utilizing quantitative methods to understand social and political dynamics during violent conflicts and their aftermath. His work investigates the long-term consequences of civilian victimization, developing theories on how violence leaves persistent legacies across societies. His research spans multiple contexts including Africa, Guatemala, and particularly Spain's historical conflicts.

Villamil's publication record demonstrates a clear progression from studying ethnic conflicts and civilian victimization to more specific analyses of Spanish political history, particularly regarding the Francoist regime and contemporary political dynamics. His recent work examines transitional justice policies, far-right politics, and the impact of international events like the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Spanish nationalism.

• Key publication venues: The Journal of Politics, Comparative Political Studies, Journal of Peace Research, European Political Science Review, Conflict Management and Peace Science
• Notable collaborations: Extensive work with Laia Balcells, as well as collaborations with Paloma Aguilar, Fernando de la Cuesta, Ignacio Sánchez-Cuenca, Stuart Turnbull-Dugarte, José Rama, and Juan F Tellez

His methodological approach combines rigorous quantitative analysis with deep historical understanding, particularly evident in his work on Spanish Civil War legacies and contemporary political developments in Spain. Villamil's research has significant implications for understanding how historical violence shapes contemporary political behavior and attitudes.