Steven Levitsky and Sol Carbonell's Visit to Mexico: Strengthening Ties and Building Bridges

Since its establishment in 2012, the DRCLAS Mexico Office has been a vital bridge, fostering academic and cultural connections between Harvard University and Mexican institutions. Last week, DRCLAS Director Steven Levitsky and Executive Director Sol Carbonell visited Mexico to strengthen these ties and advance the office's mission of addressing regional challenges, forging transformative partnerships, and cultivating the next generation of leaders and scholars. 

Their visit marked a pivotal moment for DRCLAS’ Mexico Office as it enters a new phase of institutional strengthening. Through impactful academic collaborations, research initiatives, and dialogues with local stakeholders, the visit underscored the critical role of DRCLAS’ Mexico Office in enriching the intellectual and cultural landscape of Latin America. The trip also consolidated existing alliances, explored new opportunities for academic and cultural collaboration, and reaffirmed the office’s commitment to enriching debates around the state of democracy in the region. 

"We are the bridge between Harvard and academic and professional opportunities in Mexico, reflecting the university’s commitment to Latin America. Mexico is a key player for the United States in multiple areas, including trade, immigration, education, and national security, among others. For us, it is essential to contribute to ensuring that future leaders of both countries—who may one day hold influential positions in these sectors—develop a comprehensive, nuanced, and long-term perspective on the importance of maintaining these ties and collaborations. Likewise, we seek to provide Harvard students with the opportunity to have a formative experience in this beautiful country," said Sol Carbonell. 

Key Highlights of the Visit  

Strengthening Alumni Networks at the Harvard Club of Mexico 

The visit included a lunch with the Harvard Club of Mexico, attended by alumni from various Harvard schools, including the Harvard Business School, Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Law School, and the Division of Continuing Education. This gathering strengthened connections with the Harvard community in Mexico and fostered interdisciplinary collaboration. 

Lunch with the Harvard Club of Mexico

Photo courtesy of Harvard Club of Mexico 

“An excellent meeting! The timing couldn’t have been better to discuss the challenges facing our democracy as we look ahead to what’s coming in the USA,” said Josué Lavandeira, a member of the Harvard Club of Mexico’s committee. 

Exploring Global Democracy at El Colegio de México (Colmex) 

A highlight of the visit was Steven Levitsky’s lecture, “The State of Democracy in the World,” held in collaboration with El Colegio de México. Over 200 participants from academia, government, and the media attended the event, which addressed challenges facing global democracies, including the rise of autocracies, populism, and the erosion of democratic norms. The talk sparked lively discussions and provided critical insights into global political dynamics. A full recording of the lecture is available here. 

Event photo

Photo courtesy of El Colegio de México

Fostering Dialogue with Political Leaders 

During their visit, Levitsky met with former presidential candidate Jorge Álvarez Máynez, who praised Levitsky’s nuanced understanding of global political dynamics, particularly regarding Mexico-U.S. relations. Reflecting on their conversation, Máynez stated, “Levitsky is one of the few intellectuals who truly understands the global political moment. We agreed that democracy can only be preserved by connecting with people and their concerns.”  

Empowering Women Leaders 

Sol Carbonell participated in a breakfast hosted by Mexicanos Primero, gathering prominent women leaders driving change in Mexico. This event paved the way for potential new alliances with organizations such as Fundemex, OXFAM, México Posible, Museo de Ciencias UNAM, A Favor de lo Mejor, and Child Fund Mexico. 

“It was a privilege to host a breakfast with women from various sectors. The incredible leadership of Sol Carbonell at DRCLAS truly stood out,” said Patricia Vázquez del Mercado Herrera, Executive President of Mexicanos Primero. 

Event photo

Expanding Media Presence  

Levitsky’s visit received comprehensive media coverage, amplifying the mission and activities of DRCLAS’ Mexico Office. Highlights included: 

Steven Levitsky with Carmen Aristegui

 

 

Through this visit, DRCLAS’ Mexico Office reaffirmed its position as a dynamic hub for academic and cultural engagement. By fostering connections, sparking lively debates, and exploring new opportunities, the visit has laid the groundwork for future collaborations that strengthen ties between Harvard and Mexico.

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