Paul Angelo

Paul J. Angelo, PhD, is a prominent scholar and expert in Latin American studies, currently serving as the Director of the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies at the National Defense University. He previously held the position of Fellow for Latin America Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), where he focused on critical issues such as U.S.-Latin American relations, transnational crime, security assistance, and immigration.135

Academic Background

Angelo earned his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Political Science from the United States Naval Academy, where he was awarded the Harry S. Truman Scholarship. He then completed a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Latin American Studies at the University of Oxford, studying as a Rhodes Scholar. His academic journey culminated in a PhD in Politics from University College London (UCL) in 2019, where his dissertation examined U.S. security sector reform efforts in Colombia, Mexico, and Honduras.126

Professional Experience

Before becoming the Director at the William J. Perry Center, Angelo served as an International Affairs Fellow at CFR and represented the U.S. Department of State at the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. His military background includes service in the U.S. Navy, where he held various roles, including teaching Spanish and Latin American politics at the Naval Academy and participating in operations related to Plan Colombia.123 In 2022, he was appointed by President Biden to the U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors and continues to serve as a Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve.13

Contributions and Publications

Angelo has contributed significantly to discussions on security assistance and regional stability through various publications and commentary pieces in notable outlets such as Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. His recent book, From Peril to Partnership: US Security Assistance and the Bid to Stabilize Colombia and Mexico, was published by Oxford University Press in 2024.145

Recognition

In recognition of his service, Angelo received the "Monja Blanca" medal from the Guatemalan government for his contributions to supporting the Guatemalan people.1

Overall, Paul J. Angelo's work reflects a deep commitment to understanding and improving U.S.-Latin American relations through informed policy analysis and strategic engagement.