We spoke with Professor Manuel Balán about his research and work on democratic threats and corruption in Latin America. We discuss the variety of threats facing the region, centering Latin America within his research and the challenge of avoiding a deterministic process, the dynamics and persistence of corruption, anti-corruption mechanisms, and the relationship between corruption and development. 

Manuel Balán is currently the associate dean of student affairs in the faculty of arts. He previously served as the acting director of the Institute for the Study of International Development and as an Associate Professor of Political Science and International Development. His research addresses comparative politics with a regional focus on Latin America, particularly on issues of corruption and development, corruption scandals, political competition, media and politics, transparency and anti-corruption policies, and democracy and the rule of law. Prior to his academic career, he worked in Argentina on Transparency Policies at the National Anti-Corruption Office.

Candid Conversations is a series where we speak with professors and academics about their research and current topics in development related to their field of study.

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