Jesus Velasco
Jesus Velasco
Associate Professor of Political Science at Tarleton State University
About Jesus Velasco
Professor Velasco is an Associate Professor at Tarleton State University. He is a former fellow of the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University and the Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies, also at Harvard. He was also a fellow of the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars and a Fulbright scholar. He received his PhD. in Political Science from The University of Texas in 1995.
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Professor Velasco has focused his scholarly inquiry on topics on American Political Development, American foreign policy, and U.S.-Latin American relations, especially U.S.-Mexican relations. His work has resulted in his edited volume American Presidential Elections in a Comparative Perspective: The World is Watching (2019), Neoconservatives in U.S. Foreign Policy During the Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush Administrations: Voices Behind the Throne (2010), and Bridging the Border: Transforming Mexico-U.S. Relations (1997).
Highlighted Book
The Future of US-Mexico Relations: Strategic Foresight
August 2020
The editors of this collection of sixteen articles argue the relationship between the United States and Mexico is at its most tenuous in recent memory. Each article explores the future of US-Mexico relations, focusing on relevant topics such as trade, water, drugs, health, immigration, environmental issues and security. Employing a strategic foresight methodology, the authors use past trends and identify pivotal drivers to predict, based on indicators, at least three possible outcomes for the next few decades: a baseline or continuity scenario, an optimistic version and a pessimistic one. They also articulate the implications each forecast has for both nations. Most chapters are co-written by a scholar from the United States and another from Mexico. While acknowledging it is impossible to predict the future, they nonetheless describe what could occur. Ultimately, the authors of the articles in this fascinating volume make recommendations to achieve a peaceful, integrated and prosperous North America that will drive the world economy. The book is required reading for anyone interested in the binational relationship and the well-being of citizens in both countries.
To purchase this book, please select on book cover.
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Thank you,
Jesus Velasco
Books
American Presidential Elections in a comparative Perspective
July 4, 2019
This book studies the views from countries in Asia, Europe, and Latin American of the United States and the 2016 presidential election. Twelve keen observers of the American political scene from three continents evaluate how these perspectives were modified or reinforced as a result of the campaign and election of Donald Trump. This is a book about how foreigners view American politics and will be of interest to students of foreign policy, international studies, history, and political science.
La Derecha Radical en el Partido Republicano (The Radical Right in the Republican Party)
January 1, 2013
Forged under the wing of the Republican Party, neoconservatism is one of the most relevant right-wing political movements in the United States due to the two generations that made it possible: the first, preeminent during the Ronald Reagan administration; the second, relevant in the mandate of George W. Bush; and both, highly influential in American foreign policy in the last half century. It was neoconservative ideas about human rights, arms and national defense that found fertile ground during the Reagan administration; and it was the neocons who supported George W. Bush's decision to invade Iraq and wage the war on terror. Those ideas are still present in the foreign policy of the United States. Today, apparently weakened, neoconservatism faces the crisis that threatens its party: it has unsuccessfully backed Ted Cruz, akin to the Tea Party, rejecting Donald Trump's alternative, but was unable to defeat the latter in the primary elections. An unprecedented fight between characters who break into a cracked electoral political system that threatens to further deteriorate the fragile health of American democracy.
Neoconservatives in U.S. Foreign Policy under Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush
August 17, 2010
This book examines the origins and history of the neoconservative political movement so closely identified with the George W. Bush administration’s policies of regime change and democratization. Analyzing the movement’s intellectual background, institutions, financial supporters, publications, and points of influence, Velasco distinguishes the first generation of neoconservatives, which emerged in the late 1970s, from the generation that rose to power in the 2000s. Velasco's study is based in large part on interviews with such key neoconservative figures as Irving Kristol and Richard Perle and on access to the archives of such organizations as the Committee on the Present Danger and the Coalition for a Democratic Majority. This work provides important new insights into how this cadre of intellectuals―once on the margins of the political scene―came so dominantly to affect U.S. foreign relations.
Bridging the Border: Transforming Mexico-U.S. Relations
January, 1997
Mexico's foreign policy toward the United States is in a period of transition, sparked by the passage of NAFTA and sustained by ongoing political, economic, and environmental concerns. Here, distinguished scholars from Mexico, the U.S., and the U.K. take up questions relating to the future of Mexico-U.S. relations in crucial areas including lobbying and diplomacy, labor relations, immigration and expatriation, and international finance.
To purchase a book, please select on book cover.
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Thank you,
Jesus Velasco
Courses
Courses for Fall 2020
American Federal Government
August 20 - December 11, 2020
This course is designed to provide an overview of American government, politics, and the political system. The course will be divided into five fundamental sections. First, we will study the nature of American Democracy and the constitutional foundation of the US political system. Second, we will review the function of the main political institutions of the United States: the presidency, Congress, and the judiciary. Third, we will evaluate the role of intermediary organizations such as political parties, interest groups, and the media. Fourth, we will analyze American civil rights tendencies since the 1960s, current political polarization, and income inequality. Finally, we will explore general aspects of contemporary American foreign policy. The goal is that by the end of the semester, students will obtain a better understanding of American government and politics.
U.S. Foreign Policy
August 20 - December 11, 2020
Student will learn to analyze the main theoretical perspectives on foreign policy. The student will study American foreign policy from the end of the nineteen century to the present time. By the end of the course, students will have a theoretical perspective that helps us analyze the history and current events relating to US foreign policy.
International Politics
August 20 - December 11, 2020
Student will learn to analyze the main theoretical perspectives in international relations. The student will also study relevant topic of international politics, such as human right, international terrorism, drug trafficking and organized crime, climate change, pandemics and so on. In a nutshell, the idea is to have, by the end of the course, a theoretical perspective that helps us to analyze relevant issues of international politics.
Connect with Professor Jesus Velasco
Contact Jesus Velasco to discuss his published work, teaching, collaboration opportunities or for any other inquiries.
Tarleton State University
1333 W Washington St, Stephenville, TX 76401