Comparative Politics, International Relations

Populism, campaigns, elections and voting behavior in Latin America

Dr. Nyenhuis is a faculty member in the Department of Political Science at Cal Poly Pomona. Dr. Nyenhuis teaches courses on Comparative Politics and International Relations including Latin American Politics and US Foreign Policy. His research is forthcoming in the Bolivian Research Review and a volume on Electoral Courts in Latin America. He is currently working on a book manuscript on why Latin American voters vote for populist presidential candidates.

FALL 2020

An in-depth study of economic development and underdevelopment. The focus is on extreme and moderate poverty, as well as growth in emerging economies. Theories of development, policy prescriptions, and challenges resulting from development are assessed.

Individual or group investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems at advanced level. Proposals to be initiated by student(s) with guidance from faculty. Total credit limited to 6 units, with a maximum of 3 units per semester.

Examines the political, economic, and social-cultural institutions and processes of Latin American states and regional organizations. A comparative study of major states in the region is provided, alongside analysis of regional and contemporary challenges.

Selection and completion of a thesis under faculty supervision. Thesis is to be of substantial quality on a significant problem in the student’s major area of interest within political science. Work to be completed over two semesters in PLS 4610 and PLS 4620. Lecture and discussion. Required minimum of 120 hours. May be taken up to two times for a total credit of 6 units.

Nyenhuis, R. 2016. "The Electoral Advantages of Presidential Incumbency: Evo Morales’ 2014 Triumph." Bolivian Research Review, 11(1): 1-19. 

 

Nyenhuis, R., Kapiszewski, D, and J.S. Alexander. 2016. "Judging Elections: Electoral Courts and Democracy in Latin America’s Federal Systems" eds. D. Kapiszewski and M.C. Ingram, Beyond High Courts: The Justice Complex in Contemporary Latin America. Norte Dame, IN: University of Norte Dame Press, Kellogg Institute Series. ( Link)

 

Nyenhuis, R. 2014. Book review of "Latin American Populism in the 21st Century" by C. De La Torre and C.J. Arnson. Revista Latinoamericana de Política Comparada, 8: 195-197. ( Link)