Richard Coughlin

Richard Coughlin is an Associate Professor of Political Science & Government at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), serving as Program Coordinator for the Political Science BA program. He is affiliated with the Department of Political Science, Public Administration & History within FGCU's College of Arts & Sciences. His academic career includes a B.A. in Social Science from New College of the University of South Florida and a Ph.D. in Political Science from Syracuse University.

Dr. Coughlin's research focuses on international relations, U.S. foreign policy, Latin American politics, and political theory. He examines themes such as neoliberalism in Mexico, U.S.-Mexico border dynamics, and the intersection of crime and governance. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with contemporary issues like globalization, development, and identity politics.

His recent publications include a textbook, Fragile Democracy: A Critical Introduction to American Government (2022), and peer-reviewed articles on topics ranging from Mexican political economy to U.S. foreign policy debates. He frequently contributes reviews and essays to platforms like E-International Relations, analyzing contemporary political trends and academic works.

Coughlin teaches courses in international relations, U.S. foreign policy, Latin American politics, and political theory. He actively engages with interdisciplinary research, balancing historical analysis with modern challenges in global governance and domestic policy.