Christopher Ruiz grew up in Victorville, California in the Mojave Desert. He became interested in politics accidentally when, in his early teens, he stumbled upon a politics forum on the internet. He really enjoyed arguing with strangers on the internet and researching ways to strengthen his own arguments and undermine theirs. This led not only to a fondness for politics, but also a passion for philosophy and argumentative style-- a great combo for a budding political scientist.
He received a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Master’s in National Security Studies from California State University, San Bernardino, and later completed his Ph.D. in Political Science at Baylor University. His areas of interest include political philosophy, American and international politics, and his dissertation was focused on Montesquieu’s international political thought and what Montesquieu’s insights can teach us about the Sino-American relationship. Ruiz is passionate about his field of study and is always eager to delve deeper into political philosophy. He believes that Montesquieu’s insights on the importance of judgment and particular circumstances in political life have helped to moderate his thinking and have been a source of inspiration for his research. Currently, he is writing a conference paper on Xenophon’s Anabasis.
Dr. Ruiz chose Tulane for its exceptional students, beautiful campus, and the charm of New Orleans. So far, his experience at Tulane has been positive, and he has been thoroughly enjoying his time in the city. When it comes to food, Dr. Ruiz has a soft spot for the classic chicken sandwich and fries at WOW Café on campus, though he has been given a list of restaurants to try by his students and is eager to explore more of the city’s culinary offerings. Aside from his love for politics and the classics, Dr. Ruiz is also a proud pet parent of Odysseus, a terrier mix. As a new professor at Tulane, Dr. Ruiz brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm to the Political Science department and is sure to make an impact.