He completed his PhD at Vanderbilt University in 2003 in the field of International Relations. He has previously taught at Vanderbilt and Texas State University. Dr Valeriano's main research interests are in the causes of war and peace. His book in progress is an exploration of the onset of all interstate rivalries from 1816 to 1992. Other ongoing research looks at classification systems of war, complex rivalries, immigration, and Latino foreign policy issues.