Policy and Political Economy

What it is and why it is important

Policy and political economy research investigates how political and economic systems influence the distribution of wealth, resources, and power within societies.

By examining the effects of policies on different population groups and economic sectors, our research helps identify and address economic inequalities, fostering a fairer distribution of resources.

Key research topics in this field include:

  • The design, implementation, and impact of public policies on economic and social outcomes.
  • The interplay between political institutions, economic structures, and social equity.
  • The role of governance and political processes in shaping economic policies and development.

It is foundational to any conception of a just society that everyone has some set of opportunities that are not unduly constrained by the facts of their birth.

Steven Durlauf

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Episode #50: Joseph Stiglitz on Pioneering the Economics of Inequality

Featured Episode In Policy and Political Economy

March 9, 2026
For our 50th episode, Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz reflects on six decades studying inequality. The Columbia economist, author, and former Clinton White House advisor discusses the ideas that shaped his career and how new technologies like AI may influence inequality.