Patrick Cunha Silva, Ph.D.

About

Professor Silva’s research and teaching interests focus on representation and electoral politics. In his research, he seeks to understand (i) the reasons behind the underrepresentation of certain groups (e.g., women and people of color) in public office and (ii) the effects of electoral rules on voters' and elites' behaviors. His primary regional focus is Latin America, but, he has also addressed research questions related to these topics using Western and Eastern European cases. He utilizes experimental, quasi-experimental, and observational designs. His work has been published in Party Politics, Political Research Quarterly, Electoral Studies, and Journal of Elections, Public Opinion, and Parties.