Why I Want To Pursue A Degree At Monmouth University

My enthusiasm for international affairs and political science is rooted in opportunities to visit countries in Europe and Latin America. Walking on Normandy Beach, for example, was a transformative moment before I started college. Later I developed a particular interest in Latin America after experiencing its considerable history and vivacious culture firsthand while abroad in the Dominican Republic, Argentina, and Uruguay. Differences in political institutional stability, economic modernization and cultural diversity cultivated my intellectual curiosity as to why some nations experience unique cultural, political, and economic development paths. Studying the conditions that promote cross-national diversity is now my passion amid the field

However, specific courses and readings at this level furthered my interest in the field of comparative politics and political economy. A course in comparative Latin American politics integrated my interest in military history with democratization in the developing world and outlined historical junctures explaining the current political landscape of the region. My keenness for this subject increased exponentially while travelling abroad to Buenos Aires, Argentina, for a taught comparative politics seminar. In the classroom, I learned of the atrocities committed during the Dirty War by the Videla Junta. In the streets of Argentina, I witnessed the Madres de Plaza de Mayo continuing to march in protest nearly forty years after the military abducted innocent children from these families. Lastly, the haunting faces of the disappeared on the windows at the ESMA museum are images I will never forget. For me, comparative politics lends the analytical tools to unpack and comprehend such political episodes, especially with respect to institutions and institutional

For example, Professor George Philip became a mentor to recent alumni of my undergraduate program and I would prioritize taking his class. Military politics in Latin America is one of Dr. Philip’s many areas of expertise and I hope he would consider supervising my thesis. The intimate program size and structure, along with the opportunity to conduct ample independent research peaked my interest in this method of study. Moreover, I am very impressed with the caliber of professors and visiting lecturers who speak at LSE, and hope to take full advantage of attending guest speaking events offered. My undergraduate mentor Professor Ken Mitchell, received an MSc in development studies and went onto Oxford to complete a PhD, initially introduced me to LSE. Additionally, former Monmouth University students I view as role models, Ryan Kelly, Payal Patel, Julie Miller, and Allison Matz have completed an MSc in the department of government. Subsequent to my last trip to the United Kingdom, I soon realized that I could see the city of London as a place where I could work and live. At LSE, I know that I would be part of revolutionary research on the forefront of modern political