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

Related Research Papers

Marx’s Fame: Not Revolutionary

Working Paper

Complexity Theory and Economic Inequality

Working Paper

Episode #46: Jonathan Levy on What Really Makes Up ‘The Economy’

Featured Episode In Policy and Political Economy

January 12, 2026
What is 'The Economy'? Sciences Po historian Jonathan Levy discusses his newest book, The Real Economy, exploring capital as process, what Keynes learned from Freud, and why economists need historians with host Steven Durlauf.