Ralph Espach

Ralph H. Espach is a Senior Research Scientist and Director of the Latin American Affairs program at CNA’s Center for Strategic Studies. Dr. Espach’s recent research includes criminal organizations in Central America, motivations of FARC members for joining and leaving the insurgency in Colombia, Brazil’s strategic and security interests and relations with the United States, the strategic implications of a U.S. shift to alternative fuels, the implications of China’s growing presence in Latin America for U.S. and regional security, and the security implications of climate change for the countries of Latin America. He holds a PhD in political science from the University of California, Berkeley and a B.A. from Columbia College in New York City.