Alex Bavalsky

Alex is a sophomore from New York City intending to major in Ethics, Politics, & Economics. His research interests include international development, empirical flaws in democratic institutions, and peacebuilding. 

As a Dahl Scholar, Alex works with Professor of Political Science Milan Svolik to examine the extent to which voters (particularly moderate voters) in Latin America tolerate politicians whose rhetoric or proposals violate the tenets of democracy. He hopes to use this research to discover how political institutions should address democratic backsliding and re-engage disaffected voters who have turned away from democracy and toward identity or party loyalty as a voting heuristic.