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Austin S. Matthews

@austinsmatthews.bsky.social
564 followers 52 following 61 posts

Associate Professor. Clements Center for National Security, UT Austin. Dictatorships, security studies, and political violence.

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Reposted by Austin S. Matthews
The WhoGov Project @whogov.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
We are happy to release Version 4 of WhoGov, which expands WhoGov to 2025. It now contains data on cabinet members from 1966-2025. The update is supported by UiO:Democracy and can be downloaded through GETGOV's page or through Nuffield College: politicscentre.nuffield.ox.ac.uk/whogov-datas.... 1/2
sv.uio.no
Governing elites since the dawn of modern democracy (GETGOV) - Department of Political Science
Ever since humans settled into communities, there have been political classes. A small elite governs, while the majority are governed. Yet, who are the people in the governing elite? GETGOV will answe...
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Thrilled to share that this August I'll be joining the Clements Center for National Security at UT Austin as an Associate Professor. Returning home to teach security studies, strategy, and statecraft has been a goal of mine since starting graduate school. Grateful to everyone who helped me get here.
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Amongst rarified company who make take this bold action against military elites: Enver Hoxha, Papa Doc Duvalier, Saddam Hussein.
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Xi Jinping has issued suspended death sentences for two defense ministers purged in the last three years. Just to give you an idea how irregular this is, below are data I've constructed on defense minister fates for all dictatorships since 1946. apnews.com/article/chin...
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Sorry academia. Starfox 64 remake is coming out on Switch 2 so I'm gonna be occupied for the next half year
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
At last! Nicely done
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
I've long wondered if military juntas (as they often claim) are better at winning ongoing civil wars? Probably not a good sign if ministers are getting killed on the frontlines. www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/4/...
aljazeera.com
Mali’s Defence Minister Sadio Camara killed during coordinated attacks
Death of influential minister seen as a big blow for Mali's military government during fighting with armed groups.
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Reposted by Austin S. Matthews
PSA Autocracy & Regime Change Specialist Group @psaautocracy.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
🚨 We are now accepting submissions for two of our Specialist Group's Awards 🚨 - Best Paper Award - Best PhD Paper Award Rules: anyone can nominate – self-nominations are welcome! – a paper for these awards by emailing arc.psa.sg@gmail.com Deadline: 25 May 2026 Details on the rules👇
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
They really dragged him hard in the newspaper
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
Writing the qualitative chapters of my book has been so much fun. Dedicated a nice long paragraph to describing how one Caribbean prime minister was accused of practicing sex magic and believed in telekenesis.
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Attending these workshops has honestly been one of the best parts of my career. So many friends met and opportunities created by participating. Please apply!
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Grenada joining CARICOM in sending humanitarian support to Cuba, continuing a long aid relationship between the two countries. Given ongoing US coercive pressures on Grenada to firmly realign its foreign and economic policies, I wonder whether these will intensify www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkY9...
youtube.com
Grenada sends Cuba Aid
YouTube video by Grenada Broadcasting Network
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Received a great question about where ministers are *not* becoming more educated around the world, allowing us to explore class and regime type backgrounds across various governments. And even got to geographically identify eastern NC's only cabinet member since 1966 (also an ECU grad)
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Had the opportunity to use WhoGov's Paths to Power data visualization in teaching today. Student interaction in thinking about where ministers went to college, gender distribution, and more was so exciting. Outstanding and accessible learning tool for teaching "elites"! ptp.isv.sv.uio.no/ptp/
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Things are getting tense between Eritrea and Ethiopia once more over alleged border incursions. Interesting to consider force size differences. Nearly one-third of Eritrea is active military or reserve. Despite its population being 2% of Ethiopia's, its armed forces are 40% larger
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
If you use the CIA World Leaders publications, now would be a good time to download and/or archive all the PDFs apnews.com/article/cia-...
apnews.com
CIA ends publication of its popular World Factbook reference tool
The CIA is ending the publication of its popular World Factbook reference manual. The agency announced the decision Wednesday but gave no reason for it.
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Across two separate FOIA requests... Request 1. State Dept FOIA office Jan 16: "You're associated with an educational institution, no search fees." Request 2. State Dept FOIA office Feb 5: "You're not associated with a waiver category, pay up." Same researcher. Same topic. Same agency.
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
And the government passed a fisheries amendment bill months before the export ban was to be enforced, but the US still denied their appeal www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPc2...
youtube.com
Senate Passes Fisheries Bill
YouTube video by Grenada Broadcasting Network
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
Let us not forget that the Grenada government has also been stalling a request by the USG for some sort of radar installation at Bishop Airport. Won't be surprised if that starts to move again after three months: nowgrenada.com/2025/11/deci...
nowgrenada.com
Decision for radar installation still going through technical discussions | NOW Grenada
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
PM Mitchell frames accepting third-country deportees as addressing Grenada's "labor shortage." But when the offer comes after a fish export ban, visa freeze, and travel warning downgrade, it seems more like compliance under pressure dressed as opportunity www.thenewtodaygrenada.com/local-news/g...
thenewtodaygrenada.com
Grenada moves closer to accepting U.S deportees
“The reality is if there is an opportunity for us to get workers through this Third Country National programme from the United States I have no difficulty in taking those workers.”
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
A few dozen Cuban officers/construction workers also died during the US invasion of Grenada in 1983. They had been stationed mostly around the international airport, assisting with its development. This monument stands outside it and a marker inside thanks Fidel Castro for his contributions.
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
FYI the National Defence Council that the Venezuelan VP announced isn't an irregular junta or anything. It's a constitutional body made up of various ministers, judicial entities, and security heads. Specifically convened for emergency periods.
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
You ever be 80% done with the book you're writing but start obsessing over the one you haven't started writing yet? 😑
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
There are so many books and articles being released on the topic of revolutions. Insightful conversations being had about origins, processes, consolidation, and the durability of these regimes. Very rich quantitative and qualitative assessments that I've enjoyed.
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
West Africa's coup wave raises a question for civil-military relations: if autonomy and professionalism are insufficient for prevention, should coup-proofing be reconsidered for unconsolidated democracies? Can coup-proofing even be done without it being inherently repressive or personalistic?
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
In the southern Caribbean, the nation of Grenada grapples with renewed geopolitical attention. Once again, the United States sees its wider interests run through the small island and ironically its international airport. Struggling with its revolutionary past. nowgrenada.com/2025/10/no-l...
nowgrenada.com
No longer anyone’s backyard | NOW Grenada
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
The recent coup wave continues: the military has seized power in Madagascar amidst protests. The president (on the run) interestingly was himself installed via a coup in the early 2010s. Latest episode of youth protests parlayed into a coup. www.bbc.com/news/live/cq...
bbc.com
Elite Madagascar military unit says it has seized power from President Andry Rajoelina
MPs have voted to impeach President Andry Rajoelina, who has reportedly fled the country following anti-government protests.
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
Deans are still living in the end of history.
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
Smelly rooms is the harshest accusation of all
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
From the Marryshow archives in St. George's, Grenada. Here's a report on how the PM they overthrew was a devil worshiper with a secret ritual room
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
Archival work yielding some irrelevant, yet incredible, findings.
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
I was doing a report on `fate' outcomes for leaders and we literally had to make a new `combat death' category for him. Medieval ass death
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
In case anyone was wondering how US regional universities are doing. We just had all graduate assistantships pulled. Funding cuts every year since I arrived. Dept is down three people and can't hire replacements. Yet, construction everywhere and big celebrations of our R1 status upgrade.
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
Thank you to all for the feedback! We're grateful for the opportunity.
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
77-10001-10305 `Cuban Training of Latin American Subversives' 3/63. Discusses methods and recruitment of 1500-2000 Latin Americans who received training or political indoctrination in Cuba. Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, DR, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, etc.
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Doc. 197-10002-10190: East German military went on special alert after Kennedy assassination. Soviet submarines deployed. Likely preparation for retaliation.
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
180-10131-10324: Select Committee testimony of KGB defector Yuri Noesnko calls Oswald `unstable' and asserts KGB found him unreliable. States his wife Marina was not connected to sensitive positions. Previously known things.
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Document 182-101100-10100: CIA discusses `Oswald, Lee, Post-Russian Period, Travel, Trip to Mexico'. Discusses Oswald's many trips between the Cuban and Soviet embassies in Mexico in Sept. 1962. CIA opens P File on `Oswald'
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Document 178-10002-10279 is a deposition of William Sturbitts, CIA Special Asst for LatAm. Confirms low-level assassination attempts against Castro; providing guns. Pre-emptive purchasing of industrial materials to keep them from Cuba. Miami Station cover as Zetith Corp. w/ 500 agents.
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Document 198-10005-10017 describes CIA management of Movimiento Recuperacion Revolucionario (MRR) infiltrators into Cuba between 12/61-3/62. Danish and Norwegian intelligence agree to cooperate, transmitting briefings, identifying sources, and forming cells in third countries.
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Document 198-100076-10022 describes joint DoD-CIA efforts to `impede and harass' travelers to Cuba from South American countries. Often with the support of local governments. Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, DR, etc. Efforts to prevent Soviets from gaining air service refueling in Africa.
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Document 198-10007-10029 discusses in 1953 the use of VOA radio broadcasting as a propaganda tool to counter Soviet and Chinese influence. `Absolute control' of editorial content by CIA. Interesting in that it suggests that VOA broadcasts and religious infiltration would be inefficient methods.
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Document 198-10009-10098 confirms covert USSOUTHCOM support for the Honduran Army in 1963 to target Marxist guerillas operating in the Patuca River area of the Nicaraguan border. State Dept. leverages assets in Mexican airline SAESA and Argentine Architects Association to minimize Cuba
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Document 202-10001-10203 from Jan. 1962 confirms from DoD that there was a `stay behind network' in Cuba, tasked with agitating for `organized resistance movement'. This included covert cells and attempts to infiltrate minority communities in Cuba, including Chinese.
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Thread of my findings from the released JFK files. Not making any deep judgements, just general observations based on what I know. Cuba in particular.
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
Seriously, what the hell is wrong with some journal editors? How can a paper be reasonably under review for over five months? This is malpractice.
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
That whole press conference was a disgusting and shameful set-up. Bunch of absolute jackals.
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
www.gao.gov/blog/foia-ba...
gao.gov
FOIA Backlogs Hinder Government Transparency and Accountability
Each year, media outlets, businesses, and members of the public file hundreds of thousands of requests for government records on a wide range of topics—from consumer safety to national security. Their...
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Austin S. Matthews @austinsmatthews.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
Reviewer said my historical narrative was written `bit too poetically.' Presented as a criticism, but I'm flattered they recognized my prose.
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