معرفی
Monica DeHart is a Professor of Sociology and Anthropology and Director of the Global Development Studies program at the University of Puget Sound. Her work focuses on the cultural politics of economic development in Central America, particularly exploring how gender, class, race, and ethnic differences shape development projects and their outcomes. She has conducted ethnographic research in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Guatemala for over two decades, with recent emphasis on China-Central America relations. Her forthcoming book Transpacific Developments: The Politics of China and Chineseness in Central America examines the multifaceted roles of China, Taiwan, and local diaspora communities in the region.
Education:
- B.A., University of California, Davis (1994)
- M.A., Stanford University (1997)
- Ph.D., Stanford University (2001)
Research Interests: DeHart’s work critiques neoliberal development paradigms and explores how transnational actors and institutions redefine development. Her studies often highlight contradictions in policies that reframe ethnic identity as a tool for economic growth. Recent projects analyze China’s growing influence in Central America, including infrastructure investments, cultural diplomacy, and anti-corruption policies. She emphasizes the intersection of local and global dynamics in shaping development outcomes.
Key Themes in Publications: Her articles and books address topics such as China’s transpacific political economy, the role of diaspora communities, and the historical legacies of anti-Chinese sentiment. She also examines how language institutes and infrastructure projects serve as geopolitical tools. Her work bridges anthropological theory with critical analyses of global development trends.
Professional Activities: DeHart teaches courses on global development, anthropological theory, and cultural studies. She is currently on leave for Spring 2026. Her office is located in McIntyre 213P, and she can be reached at mdehart@pugetsound.edu.
