My Name is Thomas Harvell-DeGolier, and I am a Doctoral Student at the History Department of Notre Dame with a graduate minor in peace studies Institute. In short, I study transnational ideological networks in the Americas specifically regarding concepts of development, conservatism, and the construction of the Inter-American Drug Wars. I have a particular interest in how the Wars on drugs functioned in a transnational, and comparative fashion, with specific interests in the United States, Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil. I am particularly interested in how studying these histories of criminalization, development, and political ideology provides potential lessons as we work to further the process of peace-building and human development in the Americas.
In 2019 I received my B.A. in History with minors in Religion and Political Science at Trinity University in San Antonio, TX, and received my M.A. in History from Villanova in 2021. I presented at the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations in 2021 and the American Historical Association in 2019, and I hope to continue sharing my research with both academic audiences and the broader public, especially policymakers.
I do have to say that I am incredibly honored to have the opportunity to be here at Notre Dame pursuing my interests. My successes are truly the product of a village of support ranging from my parents, my friends, and all the professors, peers, and scholars who have offered me their support. The generosity of others has been what has led me to where I am today and if you are interested in working with the Kellogg Institute or Notre Dame’s History department, I would be glad to help support you. Please reach out!