Florida International University (FIU) has announced that its experts are available to provide analysis and commentary on current developments in Venezuela. The university’s scholars offer expertise across a range of fields, including politics, security, economics, energy, and U.S.-Venezuela relations.
José Miguel Cruz, interim director of the Kimberly Green Latin American & Caribbean Center at FIU’s Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs, is noted for his research on criminal violence, gangs, policing, and public opinion in Central America and Latin America. According to FIU, “Cruz is an expert in the areas of criminal violence, gangs, police, and public opinion in Central America. He has published over one hundred scholarly articles and four books on several topics, including criminal violence, policing, street gangs, and criminal governance in Latin America. He is considered one of the pioneers in the study of criminal violence in Central America and Latin America, and the first to study Central American transnational gangs comparatively.”
Carlos Díaz-Rosillo serves as research professor and founding director of the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom at FIU. His background includes senior positions within the U.S. government related to foreign policy and defense. As stated by FIU: “Carlos Díaz-Rosillo is a recognized expert in U.S. foreign policy and Latin American affairs, with deep insight into the political and security dynamics shaping Venezuela and the broader Western Hemisphere…His work bridges academic analysis and high-level policymaking, offering nuanced perspectives on Venezuela’s challenges, U.S. policy options, and pathways to internal political change.”
Brian Fonseca directs the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy at FIU’s Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs. He specializes in Venezuela’s military structure as well as its relationships with global powers such as China and Russia.
Eduardo Gamarra is a professor whose work focuses on security issues in Latin America as well as democratization processes.
Edward Glab co-directs FIU’s Global Energy Security Forum after a long career with ExxonMobil.
Jerry Haar is a clinical professor specializing in economic risk analysis who has advised multinational firms like ExxonMobil and IBM.
Frank Mora is a senior research scientist who previously served as U.S. ambassador to the Organization of American States.
Edgardo Pappacena brings direct experience advising Petróleos de Venezuela S.A., Venezuela’s state oil company.
Tobias Pfutze is an applied microeconomist whose research covers migration and social protection programs relevant to Latin America.
Ofelia Riquezes Curiel focuses her research on transitional justice processes in Latin America; she holds degrees from institutions both inside Venezuela and abroad.
Andrés Tremante leads engineering initiatives at FIU with specific expertise relating to Venezuela’s energy sector.
Media seeking commentary or interviews can contact FIU’s Office of Media Relations or reach out directly to individual experts listed by phone or email.
