New book on regional politics published by UTRGV political science faculty

College of Liberal Arts to host book talk event on Friday

By UTRGV News and Media Relations

Edinburg, TX – The UTRGV College of Liberal Arts is hosting a book talk for the “Politics of the Rio Grande Valley: An Insider’s Perspective to Regional Politics,” a collaborative effort that highlights the expertise of its faculty.

This book examines the region’s evolving role in Texas and American politics, emphasizing the complex social, historical and political contexts that shape its identity. Each chapter, authored by political science experts, provides valuable insights into the unique dynamics that position the Rio Grande Valley as a significant player in contemporary political discourse.

Edited by Dr. Carlos D. Gutierrez-Mannix, full-time lecturer, and Dr. Alexandre Couture Gagnon, associate professor, the book features contributions from seven distinguished political science professors, including Dr. Alvaro J. Corral, Dr. Terry Garrett, Dr. Dongkyu Kim, Dr. Mi-Son Kim and Dr. Ruth Ann Ragland, each providing their specialized knowledge to the analysis of regional politics.

In addition to UTRGV faculty, the book includes perspectives from faculty members from El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, California State University-Bakersfield (CSUB), Florida Atlantic University and Universitat Pompeu Fabra.

The book talk and meet-the-authors event will take place on the UTRGV campus in Edinburg at Liberal Arts Building North, room 101. Presentations will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will feature contributing authors Corral and Ragland from UTRGV, along with Dr. Xavier Oliveras Gonzalez, Dr. José Andrés Sumano Rodríguez and Dr. Arturo Zárate-Ruiz from El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, and Dr. José Villagrán from CSUB.