Michael Wolff

Michael Wolff is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Western Washington University, affiliated with the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. He joined the faculty in 2016 after earning his PhD in Political Science from the University of New Mexico. His research examines organized criminal violence and policing strategies in Latin America, particularly focusing on Mexico and Brazil. Dr. Wolff investigates how state policies influence criminal group formation and how organized crime impacts political dynamics.

He teaches courses in Comparative Politics and International Relations, with special topics including Civil Wars, Gangs and Organized Crime, Development and Inequality, and Comparative Border Studies. His current research explores the interplay between criminal organizations and state authority in Brazil's favelas and Mexico's drug war contexts.

Dr. Wolff's publications analyze policing modalities, criminal-state relationships, and violence reduction strategies in urban environments. His work bridges criminology, political theory, and public policy, offering critical insights into security governance challenges in Latin America.

He maintains office hours in Arntzen Hall 404 on Tuesdays 4:00-5:00 pm and by appointment, and can be reached at Michael.Wolff@wwu.edu.