Kristina Mani

Kristina Mani is a Professor of Politics and Chair of the Latin American Studies Program at Oberlin College. She holds a PhD from Columbia University (2004) and specializes in Latin American regional security, civil-military relations, and democratization processes. Her research explores how political changes impact regional security dynamics, particularly in Argentina, Chile, and Central America. She chairs Oberlin’s Latin American and International Studies programs and teaches courses on transitional justice, Latin American politics, and international relations.

Education: BS (Georgetown University, 1991), MA (Columbia University, 1996), PhD (Columbia University, 2004). Her book Democratization and Military Transformation in Argentina and Chile: Rethinking Rivalry (2011) analyzes shifts in military behavior post-authoritarianism. Current research focuses on Latin American militaries’ economic roles and implications for democratic governance.

Her recent work includes analyses of militarized pandemic responses in Latin America, Venezuela’s electoral dynamics, and civil-military relations in the region. She has consulted for organizations like Transparency International and contributed to policy discussions through media engagements (e.g., World Politics Review, WOLA Podcasts).

Teaching emphasizes linking academic concepts to transnational challenges, including courses using film to explore Latin American political themes. She mentors high school researchers via Oberlin’s Pioneer Academics partnership.