Maxwell to host panel on sovereignty for Puerto Rico

Ángel Collado-Schwarz, author of “Decolonization Models for America’s Last Colony: Puerto Rico” (Syracuse University Press, 2012), will participate in a panel discussion focusing on the question of sovereignty for Puerto Rico and on the arguments set forth in Collado-Schwarz’s book. The event will be held at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, 220 Eggers Hall, on Monday, April 9, from 1-2:30 p.m., and is free and open to the public.

In his book, Collado-Schwarz addresses the more than a century-old relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States. Using a series of in-depth radio interviews and newspaper columns, he examines six countries similar in size to Puerto Rico that have successfully navigated a course to sovereignty—Singapore, Ireland, Israel, New Zealand, Estonia and Slovenia—and how their lessons can be applied to Puerto Rico. He then proposes specific strategies to decolonize Puerto Rico and improve the island’s stagnant economy, unemployment and limited political autonomy.

Distinguished Professor of Geography Don Mitchell will introduce the book and its overall argument and Maxwell Ph.D. students Elvin Delgado, Eric Rittinger and Joaquín Villanueva will give critical commentary. Collado-Schwarz will respond and take questions from the audience and will be available to sign his book following the discussion.

A long time Maxwell School Advisory Board member and SU trustee, Collado-Schwarz also founded and serves as chairman of the cultural nongovernmental organization Fundación Voz del Centro. He hosts and produces the radio program “La Voz del Centro,” which broadcasts in Puerto Rico and New York City. In addition to “Decolonization Models for America’s Last Colony,” Collado-Schwarz has authored four other books.

The panel discussion is hosted by the Maxwell School, the Program on Latin America and the Caribbean, the Department of Geography and La Casita Cultural Center.