Luisa Blanco Publishes New Analysis on Supply Chain Amid U.S.-Iran Conflict as New Wilson Center Fellow

The Pepperdine University School of Public Policy is pleased to announce that Luisa Blanco, Professor of Public Policy and Economics, has been named a Visiting Fellow for Latin America at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, which serves as one of the nation's foremost institutions for independent policy research and public dialogue.

In conjunction with her fellowship, Blanco has published her first piece with the Wilson Center, titled "Latin America's Negative Supply Shock from the U.S.-Iran Conflict." The analysis examines how escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are transmitting economic disruption across Latin American economies through higher energy prices, slowed global growth, and shifting capital flows. The article shows consequences that vary considerably depending on individual countries' energy and export profiles.

For the fellowship, Dr. Blanco’s research agenda will include articles related to topics on U.S.-Latin American international relations in the context of trade, security, economic growth, institutions, and diplomacy. Blanco will work with research assistant and current MPP student Isabella Elias.

“I am very excited about this fellowship because it will provide me with the opportunity to do research for improving cooperation in the Western Hemisphere,” noted Blanco.

The Wilson Center Fellowship recognizes scholars whose work bridges rigorous academic research and real-world policy relevance. Blanco's selection reflects her longstanding contributions to the study of Latin American economic development, international economics, and inclusive growth, in addition to Pepperdine SPP's commitment to producing scholarship that shapes public discourse at the highest levels.

Future editorial research by Blanco will be featured on the Wilson Center website here.