Dr. Raul Moreno: From Civil War Witness to Scholar and Mentor
Dr. Raul Moreno, a Salvadoran political scientist and professor at Riverside City College (RCC), has spent his career illuminating the intersections of history, politics, and economic inequality, both in the classroom and on public platforms. This year, his expertise caught the attention of Dunia Elvir, a multiple Emmy-winning journalist and the main anchor for the evening news at Telemundo 52, who invited Dr. Moreno to provide live commentary on the Salvadoran presidential elections—a critical and controversial moment in the nation’s history.
In April, Elvir reached out to Dr. Moreno regarding President Nayib Bukele’s unprecedented bid for reelection, a move widely criticized as unconstitutional. Bukele’s authoritarian measures, including the "State of Exception" that suspended constitutional rights, raised concerns about democratic erosion in a country shaped by over five decades of military rule. Dr. Moreno’s objective analysis impressed Elvir, establishing him as a regular political analyst for Telemundo, where he now provides commentary on topics ranging from international elections to U.S. primaries.
Dr. Moreno draws connections between past and present political climates, echoing lessons from history in both his public commentary and his courses on Ethnic Studies and Political Science. He frequently references historical parallels, such as the anti-immigrant nativism of the 1930s when U.S. citizens of Mexican ancestry were forcibly expelled. He warns that populist politicians often exploit economic crises, scapegoating immigrants and marginalized communities without addressing systemic inequalities—a message he passionately shares with students and viewers alike.
“Having witnessed the Salvadoran Civil War firsthand, I understand how vast economic inequality erodes democracy and creates openings for authoritarian leaders,” Dr. Moreno said. He recounts El Salvador’s economic collapse during the 1930s and its eventual descent into the civil war of the 1980s, which claimed over 100,000 lives and displaced more than a million Salvadorans. Today, he notes, similar conditions of extreme wealth disparity exist in the United States, where 80% of the population holds just 14% of the country’s wealth.
Dr. Moreno’s personal journey from war-torn El Salvador to academia reflects his resilience and determination. At the age of 11, he immigrated to California during an era of heightened anti-immigrant sentiment, marked by the Pete Wilson administration and Proposition 187. This climate, combined with racial injustices like the Rodney King beating and 1992 LA uprising, solidified his resolve to study Political Science and Ethnic Studies.
“My path was not easy,” Dr. Moreno shared. As a first-generation immigrant and college student, he overcame significant obstacles, including financial hardship. His introduction to higher education began at Los Angeles Mission College, where he accompanied his mother to her English classes. Inspired by the welcoming community college environment, Dr. Moreno took his first dual-enrollment courses at Los Angeles Valley College before earning his bachelor’s and Ph.D. in Political Science from UCLA.
Today, Dr. Moreno draws from his experiences to connect with RCC students, many of whom share similar struggles. “I deeply identify with their lives and backgrounds,” he said. His advice to students: “Build community and find mentors. Success is not a destination, but the journey itself. Work hard, stay disciplined, and surround yourself with people who will help you carry the load.”
As both a scholar and mentor, Dr. Raul Moreno’s story serves as a testament to perseverance, the importance of community, and the power of education to transform lives.