Dr. Hillel Soifer

Biography

Hillel David Soifer is an Associate Professor of Political Science specializing in Comparative Politics and research methods. His empirical work predominantly focuses on Latin America, with particular attention to the elements of state building and political development. Soifer's research includes a significant publication, 'State Building in Latin America' (Cambridge University Press, 2015), and he has authored various articles on the historical development of the Latin American state and the conceptualization and measurement of state capacity. He continues to investigate the historical trajectories of state development concerning contemporary issues in Latin America. In 2019, he co-edited an important volume titled 'Politics and Violence: Legacies of the Shining Path Conflict in Peru' published by the University of Texas Press. His scholarly interests also encompass research design and qualitative methodology, particularly the analysis of critical junctures and the use of shadow cases in empirical research. Presently, he is working on a manuscript addressing the challenges of studying spatial aggregate units, specifically focusing on the modifiable areal unit problem and its implications for political science scholarship. Soifer received his PhD in 2006 from Harvard University and holds degrees from Georgetown University and Haverford College. Before joining Berkeley, he held tenure-track positions at Bates College and Temple University.

Research Interests