Robert Evan EllisRobert Evan Ellis is a research professor of Latin American studies at the Strategic Studies Institute, United States Army War College.Early life and educationEllis obtained his undergraduate degree from Eastern Michigan University and finished his doctoral studies at Purdue University.CareerEllis has worked on the Secretary of state's Policy Planning Staff with responsibilities for Latin America, the Caribbean, and international narcotics and law enforcement matters. In his academic role, his research primarily centers on the region's interactions with China and other actors outside the Western Hemisphere, along with studying transnational organized crime. He has provided testimony to the United States Congress on Latin American security matters on multiple occasions.Awards and recognitions Order of Military Merit José María Córdova