Peter Wilshusen

Peter Wilshusen is a Professor of Environmental Studies & Sciences at Bucknell University. He is a social scientist with expertise in political ecology, environmental governance, and sustainability, focusing on Latin America and transnational conservation efforts.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. (2003) in Political Ecology, Environmental Governance, and Environmental History from the School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan, USA
  • M.F.S. (1996) in Political Ecology and Agrarian Studies from Yale University, USA
  • B.A. (1990) in Environmental Policy from the Environmental Studies Program, University of Vermont, USA

His research examines market-based approaches to international biodiversity conservation, neoliberal environmental governance, and everyday responses to sustainability policies in Latin America. He has conducted fieldwork in Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Belize, and Equatorial Guinea.

Prior to joining Bucknell, he worked as a consultant for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Global Environment Facility (GEF), and USAID. He also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Morocco and Uruguay.

• Notable Trends in Publications:
  • Analyzes neoliberalization in environmental governance
  • Advances critical perspectives on conservation paradigms
  • Focuses on community forestry and collective action in Mexico
  • Explores intersections of social justice and biodiversity conservation
  • Examines transnational policy implementation
  • Investigates everyday political ecology in development contexts

He teaches courses on environmental planning, sustainability, political ecology, and conservation-development dynamics in Latin America.