Written by: Maria Hernandez Pinto, Graduate Fellow
The Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute is thrilled to announce the successful launch event of Gema Kloppe-Santamaría's latest book and its recent Spanish translation, In the Vortex of Violence: Lynching, Extralegal Justice, and the State in Post-Revolutionary Mexico. The launch, held on October 5, 2023, shed light on the historical and cultural factors that contributed to the emergence of lynching as a form of justice in post-revolutionary Mexico.
In the Vortex of Violence is a groundbreaking work that delves into previously untapped sources to unravel the mysteries surrounding the persistence of lynching during a period characterized by political stability and decreasing violence levels. Kloppe-Santamaría's extensive research explores the complex interplay of state formation, religious influences, societal perceptions of crime, and mythical beliefs that shaped the acceptance of lynching as a legitimate form of justice. As translator Luz Noguez pointed out, "This book is proof of how it is paramount to fully grasp your past to understand your present."
The event was moderated by Manuel Cuellar of George Washington University, with special guest and translator Luz Noguez. The Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute extends its gratitude to CCAS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the CCAS Department of History for their support, as well as the students, scholars, and community members whose presence contributed to the success of this event.