Join us for a book launch celebrating 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!
Based on a collection of previously untapped sources, In the Vortex of Violence examines why lynching became a persistent practice during a period otherwise characterized by political stability and decreasing levels of violence. It explores how state formation processes, as well as religion, perceptions of crime, and mythical beliefs, contributed to shaping people’s understanding of lynching as a legitimate form of justice. Extending the history of lynching beyond the United States, Kloppe-Santamaría offers key insights into the cultural, historical, and political reasons behind the violent phenomenon and its continued practice in Latin America today.
The event will be moderated by Manuel Cuellar (George Washington University) with guest Luz Noguez (William J. Perry Center).
A very special thanks to the CCAS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; CCAS Department of History; and GW Cisneros Institute.