Recently, the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences of the Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC) had the honor of welcoming Professor Lina Penagos from the Institut d'Études Politiques de Fontainebleau (IEP Fontainebleau). The visit was arranged by Mercedes Alda Fernández, faculty manager for academic exchange programs for the Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Public Management, who regularly hosts visiting professors as part of the Erasmus+ program for faculty.
During her stay, Professor Penagos taught a class on the Political System II course for the Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Public Management at the Madrid-Vicálvaro campus, led by Mercedes Alda Fernández. She subsequently participated in a class for the Master's Degree in International Journalism, directed by Sonia Valle De Frutos and assisted by Professor Ana María Zaharía.
Dr. Penagos, an expert in political science and international relations, is the Executive Director of the EUR LIVE program at the University of Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC), where she leads educational and research projects that foster international cooperation. She is also an academic advisor at the IEP Fontainebleau and a member of the Hannah Arendt Interdisciplinary Political Study Laboratory (LIPHA). Her research focuses on the underground economy, peacebuilding, and security perspectives, with a special focus on peace processes and the reintegration of insurgent groups in Colombia.
In her talks, entitled "Perspectives on the Peace Processes in Colombia: From the Reintegration of the FARC-EP to Comprehensive Peace Negotiations," and with varying approaches depending on the audience, Dr. Penagos addressed the challenges and progress made in the peace processes in Colombia, explaining how the reintegration of the FARC-EP and the negotiations to achieve lasting peace in the country have been carried out.
In the Political System II course, her work has made a valuable contribution to the students' education, as this course focuses on comparative political systems. Dr. Penagos's experience and knowledge have allowed the students to better understand the complexities of political systems and peace processes in international contexts.
Dr. Penagos's presentation is part of the complementary training program for the Master's Degree in International Journalism, which focuses on cross-cutting themes such as the commitment to human rights from the perspective of international relations.
This activity not only enriches student learning but also highlights the teaching innovation at the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, preparing students to face the challenges of politics and administration with a critical and global perspective.
Furthermore, the Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Public Administration has Erasmus+ agreements with the IEP Fontainebleau, as well as with three other IEPs. These institutions are arguably the most important in the field of Political Science and Public Administration, promoting the internationalization of teaching and academic collaboration globally.