Gonzalo completed his DPhil in Politics at the University of Oxford in 2024. His research is in the field of Comparative Politics, with a particular interest in the politics of representation, democratic accountability, and citizen involvement in politics. Gonzalo is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Center for Inter-American Policy & Research, Tulane University. USA.
We spoke to Gonzalo about his time in Oxford and asked him what inspired his studies at DPIR?
I was primarily inspired by the incredible academic staff in comparative politics. In particular, I aimed to work with DPIR’s Latinoamericanistas scholars. I wanted to present and discuss my research ideas with Tim Power and David Doyle—whom I read extensively during my undergraduate studies—and to share my project with Ezequiel González-Ocantos, who has published numerous influential papers on clientelism, the very topic I was interested in addressing for my doctoral project. I hoped to be mentored by them and to learn from their experience. I was also eager to exchange ideas with other students interested in the region.
Can you tell us more about your research?
My research lies within the field of Comparative Politics, where I focus on the dynamics of representation, political participation, and their consequences for democracy, particularly in Latin America. On the political representation side, my work addresses the contemporary logic of clientelism, citizens’ disengagement with party organizations, and democratic discontent. On political participation, my research explores how to reduce turnout inequality and examines the effect of institutional arrangements—e.g., compulsory voting, fines for abstention—on class, generational, and educational biases in turnout. I also study the often-neglected form of participation known as claim-making: actions citizens undertake to obtain state responses. While scholarship on turnout and social movements is well documented, claim-making literature is an emerging field that offers a new lens to understand the political interests of citizens and mass interest groups.
What are your favourite memories of DPIR?
At DPIR, I had countless memorable experiences. But my favourite moments were the conversations outside the Manor Road building—just talking about life, usually while smoking and sharing yerba mate or coffee with colleagues. Most of my ideas and future projects originated there, among friends. I learned much of what defines me as a researcher in those moments—outside the classroom, among people eager to understand the political challenges of today.
My time at Oxford and DPIR was unbelievably rich and fulfilling, in a way I was not accustomed to because of all the facilities the University provides. I had the privilege of dedicating myself fully to reading, studying, and learning as never before in my life. A privilege itself. But more importantly, in Oxford, I met my dear friends—Musashi, Edgar, Noe, Koyo—who remain a huge part of my life and always will be.
What lessons learnt at DPIR that you will take through life?
To enjoy the process. To understand that making any contribution, in any area of knowledge, comes as a result of everyday work. Knowledge requires patience and the maturation of ideas, and we can train ourselves in patience. We should do so. Careful, detailed, and 'slow-cooked' ideas are the ones that contribute the most.
What piece of advice would you give to prospective DPIR Politics students?
Enjoy your time in Oxford. You are privileged to have the time and facilities to do intellectual work, particularly in this fast-paced world. Surround yourself with collaborative people, not competitive ones, because they are the ones who will help you refine your ideas and clear your mind.
Trust yourself. You are smart and don’t need to prove that to anyone. After all, you are in Oxford. And be grateful and kind, especially to yourself.