Omar García-Ponce

Omar García-Ponce is an Associate Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at George Washington University. He holds a full-time faculty position in the Department of Political Science and International Affairs. His research focuses on the political and socioeconomic drivers of intrastate violence, its impacts, and policy solutions, with a regional emphasis on Latin America. He employs experimental and qualitative methodologies, combining statistical rigor with field-based inquiry.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Political Science, New York University (2016)
• B.A. in Public Administration, El Colegio de México

Research Interests: His work explores how political dynamics and socioeconomic conditions fuel organized violence, particularly in contexts of criminal and political conflict. He investigates interventions to mitigate violence's societal and economic consequences, leveraging both quantitative and qualitative methods. Recent studies emphasize Latin America’s security challenges, including drug-related violence and governance failures.

Grants & Support: His research has been funded by governments, international agencies, and civil society organizations, supplemented by multiple grant awards. Notable support includes postdoctoral fellowships at the Center for Global Development.

Professional Background: Prior to GWU, García-Ponce was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Center for Global Development. He was born and raised in Mexico City, where he completed his undergraduate studies at El Colegio de México.