What's Happening?
The Kellogg Institute, part of the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame, has been selected as the new institutional home for the Red para el Estudio de la Economía Política de América Latina (REPAL), also known as the Network
for the Study of the Political Economy of Latin America. This partnership will see Kellogg host REPAL from 2026 through 2031, continuing the network's traditional five-year hosting terms. The Kellogg Institute will take over from Georgetown University's Center for Latin American Studies, which served as REPAL's host from 2024 to 2026. As the host institution, Kellogg will provide essential management support to sustain the network between its annual conferences. This collaboration leverages Kellogg's extensive history and ongoing engagement with Latin America, a core regional interest and a focus of the Institute's early research. The move aligns with two of Kellogg's strategic objectives: convening leading scholars and fostering partnerships with research universities across the globe. Ann Mische, acting director of the Kellogg Institute, stated that hosting REPAL connects Kellogg to a broad community of scholars whose research questions align with the Institute's own.
Why It's Important?
This new institutional arrangement is significant for the academic community focused on Latin American political economy, particularly within the U.S. It solidifies the Kellogg Institute's role as a central hub for interdisciplinary research and scholarly collaboration on the region. By hosting REPAL, Kellogg will facilitate continued dialogue and research among academics from Latin America, North America, and Europe, promoting a deeper understanding of the economic, political, and social processes interacting within Latin America. This initiative supports the development of new research, encourages diverse methodological approaches, and addresses practical policy problems. The involvement of graduate students through dissertation workshops further ensures the cultivation of future experts in the field. For the U.S., this strengthens its position as a key contributor to Latin American studies, fostering intellectual exchange and potentially influencing policy discussions related to the region's development and stability. The continuity of REPAL's operations under Kellogg's stewardship ensures that critical research on Latin America remains vibrant and well-supported.
What's Next?
The Kellogg Institute will officially begin its role as REPAL's host in 2026, continuing through 2031. The 13th annual REPAL conference is scheduled to take place on July 8–9, 2027, at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, with additional support from Claremont Graduate University. A dissertation workshop for graduate students will precede the main conference on July 7, 2027. The call for paper and book proposals focusing on the political economy of Latin America is currently open until November 30, 2026, with acceptance notifications expected by March 11, 2027. A separate call for the dissertation workshop will be announced in the coming months. These upcoming events and calls for proposals indicate a continued active research agenda and opportunities for scholars and graduate students to present their work and engage with the network.
Beyond the Headlines
The Kellogg Institute's commitment to hosting REPAL underscores a broader trend in academic institutions to foster international collaborations and address complex global issues through interdisciplinary research. This partnership highlights the enduring importance of understanding Latin America's political economy, not just for regional stability but also for its implications on global trade, migration, and international relations. The network's focus on the interplay of economic, political, and social processes reflects a holistic approach to development studies, moving beyond purely economic or political analyses. By supporting a diverse community of scholars and methodologies, Kellogg is contributing to a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Latin American nations. This long-term commitment also signals the value placed on sustained academic engagement and the cultivation of expertise in critical world regions.
