Biography: Robert Mayer

Robert Mayer is the original founder of Publius. A small-government libertarian, he is a strong believer in the power of competitive markets, liberal democratic systems, and the ability of people to decide what's best for themselves; that these things are not just a good and an end in themselves, but a means by which to raise the poor out of poverty, feed the hungry, cure diseases, and put a finish to war.

He wasn't always this way. During his younger, more melodramatic days, Robert considered himself a devout communist. Ignoring history, he believed that communism was the only way to attain the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest amount of people. It was humanist in intent, at least, but nonetheless wrong.

The realization that statism is the wrong way, regardless of good intentions, came to him during his second yearlong stay in Latin America, where statism has only kept the region from its full potential. In a sense, Publius was born in Chile, but took at a few years to come to fruition.

Robert has no formal education in political science, international relations, history, or other relevant tracks of study. He is actually an international business and management major from Bentley College.

He is also fluent in Spanish.

His specific academic interests are the institutional and structural frameworks of democratic systems, regime change and transitions, the role of domestic businesses and the middle class in facilitating regime change, the role of foreign investment on the domestic affairs of countries, and comparative political analysis. Outside of the academic sphere, Robert is most interested in how companies can facilitate community development, how small businesses can take advantage of a globalized society, and how the internet and modern technology empowers groups and individuals to change the world.

Robert takes checks from no government or military institution, non-governmental organization, or anyone else who might attempt to influence his views. Those are his own.

You may contact him via email here: robertmayer@gmail.com