Mark Petersen

Mark Petersen is an Associate Professor of History and Director of Latin American Studies at the University of Dallas. He holds a D.Phil. in History from the University of Oxford, where he also earned an M.Phil. in Latin American Studies and a B.A. in Modern History. Before joining UD in 2015, he taught at the University of Illinois at Chicago. His research focuses on Latin America, Inter-American relations, and hemispheric history, with special attention to Pan-Americanism and diplomatic history.

Education:

• PhD, History, University of Oxford
• M.Phil., Latin American Studies, University of Oxford
• B.A., Modern History, University of Oxford

His teaching portfolio includes courses such as History of Mexico, Latin America I & II, and Inter-American Relations. His publications explore themes like Pan-American cooperation, middle-class politics, and regional integration. Recent works include analysis of democracy in Latin America, the origins of Pan-Americanism, and the role of militaries in socio-political transitions. Petersen’s scholarship emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to understanding hemispheric dynamics and historical institutional frameworks.

He has contributed to edited volumes on democracy, political history, and regionalism, with notable engagement in debates about post-hegemonic regionalism and diplomatic networks. His research bridges historical analysis with contemporary political discourse, offering insights into the evolution of Latin America’s geopolitical landscape.