Duke University Center for African and African American Research

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  • Gilbert Merkx

  • Professor of the Practice of Sociology
      • Duke Box 90402, Durham, NC 27708-0006
      • 103 John Hope Franklin Center, Box 90402, Durham, NC 27708
      • Phone: (919) 684-5830
      • Email:

  • Overview

    I received my A.B. from Harvard University and my M.A. and Ph.D. in sociology from Yale University. I have been a Fulbright scholar at the Universidad Nacional San Cristóbal de Huamanga in Ayacucho, Perú; a visiting scholar at the Instituto Torcuato Di Tella in Buenos Aires, Argentina; and a visiting scholar at the Latin Amerika Institutet, Stockholms Universität, in Stockholm, Sweden. I have taught on the faculties of Yale University; Göteborgs Universität, in Gothenburg, Sweden; and the University of New Mexico, where I was Professor of Sociology and Director of the Latin American and Iberian Institute. At Duke University I am Professor of the Practice of Sociology. I formerly served Duke as Director of the Center for International Studies and Vice Provost for International Affairs and Development. As Vice Provost, I was responsible for general oversight of Duke's numerous international and foreign language and area studies programs, development of Duke's programs and partnerships abroad, and furtherance of the internationalization of the University.  My current research interests include sociological theory, globalization, and flow systems (constructal theory).

  • Education

    • Ph.D., Yale University 1968
    • M.A., Yale University 1965

  • Selected Publications

  • Bejan, A, & Merkx, GW. (2007, August). Constructal Theory of Social Dynamics. Springer.
  • Hawkins, JN. (1998, January 1). International Education in the New Global Era Proceedings of a National Policy Conference on the Higher Education Act, Title Vi, and Fulbright-Hays Programs. University of California Los Angeles International.
  • Elkin, JL, & Merkx, GW. (1996). The Jewish Presence in Latin America. London: Routledge, Chapman, and Hall.
  • Merkx, GW. (1983). The National Need for Latin American and Caribbean Specialists: Current Resources and Future Requirements. New York: National Council on Foreign Languages and International Studies.
  • Merkx, GW. (1976). New Perspectives on Latin America. New York: MSS Information Corporation.
  • Book Section
    • Oxford: Elsevier Ltd.. (Chapter)
  • de Wit, H, & Merkx, G. (2012, January 1). The history of internationalization of higher education. In The SAGE Handbook of International Higher Education (pp. 43-60).
  • Merkx, GW. (2012). International and Area Studies: Past, Present, and Future. In Relevant/Obsolete? Rethinking Area Studies in the U.S. Academy (pp. 10-27).
    • University of Michigan. (Chapter)
  • Merkx, GW. (2010). Gulliver’s Travels: The History and Consequences of Title VI. In International and Language Education for a Global Future (pp. 17-31).
    • East Lansing: Michigan University Press. (Chapter)
  • Merkx, GW. (2009). Flow Systems, Catastrophes, and Public Policy. In A Bejan, S Lorente, A Miguel & AH Reis (Eds.), Constructal Human Dynamics, Security, and Sustainability (pp. 37-47).
    • Amsterdam IOS Press. (Chapter)
  • Merkx, GW. (2009). Jews in Latin America. In MA Ehrlich (Ed.), Encyclopedia of the Jewish Diaspora (pp. 688-702).
    • Santa Barbara: ABC Clio. (Chapter)
  • Merkx, GW. (2009). Jewish Studies as a Subject of Latin American Studies. In MA Ehrlich (Ed.), Encyclopedia of the Jewish Diaspora (pp. 703-705).
    • Santa Barbara: ABC Clio. (Chapter)
  • Merkx, GW. (2001). Area and International Studies and Its Stakeholders. In NJ Simelser and PJ Baltes (Eds.), The International Encyclopedia of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Oxford:
    • Elsevier Science Limited. (Chapter)
  • Merkx, GW. (2001). The Latin American Research Review and the Evolution of Research on Latin America in the United States. In Política Criminal, Derechos Humanos, y Sistemas Jurídicos en el Siglo XX1 (pp. 513-523).
    • Buenos Aires: Ediciones Depalma. (Chapter)
  • Merkx, GW. (1999). Foreign Language and Area Studies through Title VI: Assessing Supply and Demand. In RD Lambert and E Shohany (Eds.), Language Policy and Pedagogy (pp. 95-112).
    • Amsterdam: John Benjamins. (Chapter)
  • Merkx, GW. (1998). Plus ca change: Challenges to graduate education under HEA Title VI.
    • (pp. 76-86).
  • Merkx, GW. (1994). Foreign Area Studies in U.S. Global Competence. In RD Lambert (Ed.), Educational Exchange and Global Competence (pp. 151-164).
    • New York: Council on International Educational Exchange. (Chapter)
  • Merkx, GW. (1993). The Progress of Alliance: Confronting the Crisis in Resources for Foreign Area Studies in the United States. In in Latin American Studies in the 21st Century: New Focus. New Formats, New Challenges (pp. 294-302).
    • Albuquerque: SALALM. (Chapter)
  • Merkx, GW. (1991). Social Structure and Social Change in Twentieth Century Latin America. In JK Black (Ed.), Latin America: Its Problems and Its Promise (pp. 157-168).
    • Boulder, CO: Westview Press. (Chapter)
  • Merkx, GW. (1990). Foreword. In JL Elkin and AL Sater (Eds.), Latin American Jewish Studies: An Annotated Guide to the Literature (pp. ix-xii).
    • Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. (Chapter)
  • Merkx, GW. (1988). Forward. In Pinochet: The Politics of Power by Gernaro Arriagada (pp. vii-xi).
    • Boston: Unwin Hyman. (Introduction)
  • Merkx, GW. (1987). Jewish Studies as a Subject of Latin American Studies. In JL Elkin and GW Merkx (Eds.), The Jewish Presence in Latin America (pp. 3-12).
    • Boston: Allen and Unwin. (Chapter)
  • Merkx, GW. (1985). Latin American Studies. In Peterson’s Annual Guides: Graduate Programs in the Humanities and Social Sciences 1986 (pp. 130-131).
    • Princeton, NJ: Peterson's Giides. (Chapter)
  • Merkx, GW. (1982). El Profesorado y las contradicciones académicas. In MJ Justiz and et. al. (Eds.), Perspectivas de la Educación Superior en América Latina y Estados Unidos (pp. 41-50).
    • Albuqerque: University of New Mexico. (Chapter)
  • Merkx, GW. (1980). A Review of the Issues and Groups Involved in Undocumented Immigration to the United States. In RS Landman (Ed.), The Problem of the Undocumented Worker (pp. 7-14).
    • Washington, DC: Community Services Administration. (Chapter)
  • Merkx, G, & Remmer, K. (1979). Mobilization and Demobilization in Latin America: The Role of Bureaucratic-Authoritarian Regimes. In JJ Brasch (Ed.), Proceedings of the Rocky Mountain Council on Latin American Studies (pp. 249-255).
    • Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press. (Chapter)
  • Merkx, GW. (1976). Charisma in Latin American Politics: Some General Comments and the Case of Juan Domingo Peron. In KL Remmer and GW Merkx (Eds.), New Perspectives on Latin America (pp. 164-181).
    • New York: MSS Information Corporation. (Chapter)
  • Merkx, GW. (1976). Charisma in Latin American Politics: Some General Comments and the Case of Juan Domingo Peron. In KL Remmer and GW Merkx (Eds.), New Perspectives on Latin America (pp. 164-181).
    • New York: MSS Information Corporation. (Chapter)
  • Merkx, GW. (1975). Economics and History in the Study of Rebellions: The Argentine Case. In GD Brewer and RD Brunner (Eds.), Political Development and Change (pp. 103-127).
    • The Fress Press. (Chapter)
  • Merkx, GW. (1974). La universidad norteamericana a la defensiva. In A Herzfeld, BA Waggoner & GR Waggoner (Eds.), La Universidad, los Universitarios (pp. 155-163).
    • Lawrence: University of Kansas. (Chapter)
  • Merkx, GW, & Griego, RJ. (1973). Crisis in New Mexico. In R Rosaldo, RA Calvert & S Seligman (Eds.), Chicano: Evolution of a People (pp. 385-392).
    • Winston Press. (Chapter)
  • Merkx, GW. (1973). La Situación Actual de la Sociedad Norteamericana y la Crisis Universitaria. In PR David and MR Nason (Eds.), Radiografía de la Universidad en las Américas (pp. 47-49).
    • Albuqerque: University of New Mexico. (Chapter)
  • Merkx, GW. (1972). Los conflictos políticos de la Argentina postperonista. In J Marsal (Ed.), Argentina Conflictiva (pp. 136-169).
    • Buesnos Aires: Editorial Paidos. (Chapter)
  • Merkx, GW, & Valdés, NP. (1972). Revolution, Consciousness, and Class: Cuba and Argentina. In R Bonachea and NP Valdés (Eds.), Cuba in Revolution (pp. 82-109).
    • Anchor Books. (Chapter)
  • Merkx, GW, & Griego, RJ. (1971). Crisis in New Mexico. In NR Yetman and CH Steele (Eds.), Majority and Minority: The Dynamics of Racial and Ethnic Relations (pp. 599-610).
    • Allyn and Bacon. (Chapter)
  • Merkx, GW. (1971). The Community. In Crime and Justice in Metropolitan Albuquerque Albuquerque:
    • University of New Mexico. (Chapter)
  • Academic Article
  • Sutton, M, Post, D, Merkx, GW, Hayhoe, R, Luk, BHK, King, K, Gajardo, M, King, E, Motivans, A, Daun, H, Brustein, WI, Rudolph, SH, Rudolph, L, & Motivans, A. (2006, February). Comparative education, area studies, and the disciplines. COMPARATIVE EDUCATION REVIEW , 50 (1), 125-148.
  • Merkx, GW. (2004). Title VI Reauthorization: HR3077 and the Politics of Intimidation. LASA Forum , XXXIV (4), 6-7.
    • (Scholarly Commentary)
  • Merkx, GW. (2003). Waves of Change: Internationalization in U.S. Higher Education. International Educator , XII (1), 6-12.
  • Merkx, GW. (2000). Foreign Language and Area Studies through Title VI: Assessing Supply and Demand. International Educator , 8 (4), 23-32.
  • Merkx, GW. (1999). The Case for Latin American Studies. Lazos/Laços , 1 (2), 4-8.
  • Merkx, GW. (1998). Outreach in Foreign-Area Studies Centers. Journal of Public Service and Outreach , 3 (3), 10-19.
  • Merkx, GW. (1997, January). Look Homeward, Angel: Challenges to International Education. Intercom , 19 (4), 1-5.
  • Merkx, GW. (1996). Foreword. LATIN AMERICAN RESEARCH REVIEW , 31 (4), R3-R9.
  • Merkx, GW. (1995). Foreign Area Studies: Back to the Future?. LASA Forum , XXVI (2), 5-8.
    • (Scholarly Commentary)
  • Merkx, GW. (1995). Historic Changes in Latin America’s Trajectory. Encuentros , 2 (1), 8-10.
  • Merkx, GW. (1991). Task Force on Scholarly Resources Report: Crisis in Foreign Periodicals Acquisitions. LASA Forum , XXI (4), 5-5.
    • (Scholarly Commentary)
  • Merkx, GW. (1990). Title VI Accomplishments, Problems, and New Directions. LASA Forum , XXI (2), 1, 18-23.
    • (Scholarly Commentary)
  • Merkx, GW. (1989). Bordering on Consensus: Policy Prescriptions for Latin America. Hemisphere , 1 (3), 38-41.
  • Merkx, GW. (1988, March). An Overview of Latin American and Caribbean Studies in the United States: Resources and Needs. Lateinamerika Nachrichten , Beiheft 2 , 27-54.
  • Merkx, GW. (1988). Encuentro: An End and a Beginning. Encuentro , IV (4), 2-2.
  • Merkx, GW. (1987). A Quincentenary Quickening. Encuentro , III (2), 2-2.
  • Merkx, GW. (1987). A Sociologist’s Perspective. LASA Forum , 17 (4), 3-5.
    • (Scholarly Commentary)
  • Merkx, GW. (1986). Quincentenary Controversies. Encuentro , II (2), 2-2.
  • Merkx, GW. (1984). Research Manpower Needs for Latin America and the Caribbean: An Assessment. LASA Forum , 15 (3), 11-19.
    • (Scholarly Commentary)
  • Merkx, GW. (1982). The Washington Policy Process: Implications for Latin American Studies. LASA Forum , 12 (4), 12-13.
    • (Scholarly Commentary)
  • REMMER, K, & MERKX, G. (1982). BUREAUCRATIC-AUTHORITARIANISM REVISITED. LATIN AMERICAN RESEARCH REVIEW , 17 (2), 3-40.
  • Merkx, GW. (1980, December). Restructuring the Area Center: An Experiment. LASA Forum , 10 (4), 14-15.
    • (Scholarly Commentary)
  • Merkx, GW. (1979). Argentine Social Science: The Contribution of CICSO. Latin American research review , 14 (1), 228-233.
  • MERKX, G. (1979). EVALUATION OF PROJECTS DURING CLASS-STRUGGLE (CHILE, 1973) - SPANISH - GELLER,L, SCIARA,A. LATIN AMERICAN RESEARCH REVIEW , 14 (1), 228-233.
  • MERKX, G. (1979). LOCAL SOCIOECONOMIC STRUCTURE IN TUCUMAN COLONY - PEASANTS AND BUSINESSMEN - EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL-STRATIFICATION AMONG WORKERS OF FINCA-CANERA-TUCUMANA - SPANISH - VESSURI,H. LATIN AMERICAN RESEARCH REVIEW , 14 (1), 228-233.
  • MERKX, G. (1979). STREET REVOLT, CLASS-STRUGGLE - SPANISH - BALVE,B, MARIN,JC, MURMIS,M. LATIN AMERICAN RESEARCH REVIEW , 14 (1), 228-233.
  • MERKX, G. (1979). SALARIED JOB, CAPITAL AND EXCHANGE VALUE - ANALYSIS OF THEORY OF SMITH,ADAM ON EXCHANGE VALUE - SPANISH - CIAFARDINI,H. LATIN AMERICAN RESEARCH REVIEW , 14 (1), 228-233.
  • MERKX, G. (1979). TYPES OF CAPITALISM AND CLASS-STRUCTURE - SPANISH - MURMIS,M. LATIN AMERICAN RESEARCH REVIEW , 14 (1), 228-233.
  • MERKX, G. (1979). STUDY ON DIVISION OF LABOR IN PRODUCTIVE PROCESS, 1971-1972 - SPANISH - MARCONI,E. LATIN AMERICAN RESEARCH REVIEW , 14 (1), 228-233.
  • MERKX, G. (1979). SAN-JUAN PRODUCTION STRUCTURE AND SOCIAL SECTORS - SPANISH - BOLEDA,M. LATIN AMERICAN RESEARCH REVIEW , 14 (1), 228-233.
  • MERKX, G. (1979). CONCEPT OF POLITICAL CRISIS - SPANISH - PORTANTIERO,JC. LATIN AMERICAN RESEARCH REVIEW , 14 (1), 228-233.
  • MERKX, G. (1979). DEVELOPMENT OF ARGENTINE SOCIETY - 1500-1800 - SPANISH - RAMILCEPEDA,C, PERSICO,M. LATIN AMERICAN RESEARCH REVIEW , 14 (1), 228-233.
  • MERKX, G. (1979). ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL-HISTORY OF CHACO - SPANISH - PINEIRO,D, CARACCIOLODEBASCO,M. LATIN AMERICAN RESEARCH REVIEW , 14 (1), 228-233.
  • MERKX, G. (1979). ECONOMIC-POWER IN ARGENTINA - SPANISH - ABOT,J, ABRAMZON,M. LATIN AMERICAN RESEARCH REVIEW , 14 (1), 228-233.
  • Merkx, G. (1976, January 1). Argentina: Peronism and Power. Monthly Review , 27 (8), 38-38.
  • Merkx, GW. (1973, May). Recessions and Rebellions in Argentina, 1870-1970. Hispanic American Historical Review , 53 (2), 285-295.
  • Merkx, GW. (1972, September). Rejoinder to Herbert Gamberg’s Response. Monthly Review , 24 (4), 59-64.
  • Merkx, GW. (1972, March). Rivoluzione in America?. Monthly Review--Edizione Italiana (Rome) , V (3), 6-11.
  • Merkx, GW. (1972, January). Rivoluzione in America?. Monthly Review , 23 (8), 28-42.
  • Merkx, GW, & Valdés, NP. (1971). Revolución, conciencia y clase: Cuba y Argentina. Revista Mexicana de Sociología , 33 (4), 517-539.
  • Merkx, GW, & Griego, RJ. (1970, March). Crisis in New Mexico. New Mexico Review , 2 (2).
  • Merkx, GW. (1969). Sectoral Clashes and Political Change: The Argentine Experience. Latin American research review , 4 (3), 89-114.
  • Merkx, GW. (1969). Comment on the Theory of Sectoral Clashes. Latin American research review , 4 (3), 64-66.
  • Merkx, GW. (1969). Legalidad, cambio político, e impacto social en los cambios de presidentes latinoamericanos. Serie Documentos de Trabajo , 34-34.
  • Merkx, GW. (1969). Choques sectoriales y cambio político. El caso argentino. Foro Internacional , 10 (2), 149-176.
  • Merkx, GW. (1968, November). Legalidad, cambio político, e impacto social en los cambios de presidentes latinoamericanos. Revista Latinoamericana de Sociología , IV (3), 421-440.
  • Merkx, GW. Editor's foreword. Latin American research review .
    • (Introduction)
  • Review
  • MERKX, G. (1985). THE POPULIST CHALLENGE - ARGENTINE ELECTORAL-BEHAVIOR IN THE POSTWAR ERA - SCHOULTZ,L. HISPANIC AMERICAN HISTORICAL REVIEW , 65 (2), 393-393.
  • MERKX, G. (1982). CLASS, STATE, AND INDUSTRIAL-STRUCTURE - THE HISTORICAL PROCESS OF SOUTH-AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL-GROWTH - WEAVER,FS. HISPANIC AMERICAN HISTORICAL REVIEW , 62 (3), 526-527.
  • Merkx, GW. (1981). Testimonios by Rodolfo Stavenhagen. Hispanic American Historical Review , 61 (1), 178-178.
  • Merkx, GW. (1978). Elites and Economic Development: Comparative Studies on the Political Economy of Latin American Cities by John Walton. Hispanic American Historical Review , 58 (4), 755-756.
  • MERKX, G. (1978). SOCIAL-CONSEQUENCES OF MODERNIZATION IN COMMUNIST SOCIETIES - FIELD,MG. CONTEMPORARY SOCIOLOGY-A JOURNAL OF REVIEWS , 7 (1), 45-46.
  • MERKX, G. (1976). GREEDY INSTITUTIONS - PATTERNS OF UNDIVIDED COMMITMENT - COSER,LA. CONTEMPORARY SOCIOLOGY-A JOURNAL OF REVIEWS , 5 (1), 66-68.
  • MERKX, G. (1976). 2 DEMOCRATIC LABOR LEADERS IN CONFLICT - LATIN-AMERICAN REVOLUTION AND ROLE OF WORKERS - HAWKINS,C. CONTEMPORARY SOCIOLOGY-A JOURNAL OF REVIEWS , 5 (1), 50-51.
  • MERKX, G. (1975). HUMAN CONDITION IN LATIN-AMERICA - WOLF,ER AND HANSEN,EC. CONTEMPORARY SOCIOLOGY-A JOURNAL OF REVIEWS , 4 (4), 444-445.
  • Merkx, GW. (1973). Cultivating Revolution. The United States and Agrarian Reform in Latin America by James F. Petras and Robert LaPorte, Jr. Contemporary Sociology , 2 (1), 64-67.
  • Merkx, GW. (1969, October). Constructive Change in Latin America, ed. by Cole Blasier. American Sociological Review , 34 (3), 756-757.
  • Merkx, GW. (1969). The Army and Politics in Argentina by Robert Potash. Revista Latinoamericana de Sociología (Buenos Aires) , 5 (3), 672-674.
  • Merkx, GW. (1969). A Strategy for Research on Social Policy by Frank Bonilla and José Silva Michelena. American Sociological Review , 34 (2), 262-263.
  • Other Article
    • (Scholarly Commentary)
  • Conference Paper

  • Selected Grants

    • JHFYS Program 2010
    • jhfys immersion 1