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 #49: René Flores on Immigration Enforcement and ‘Social Illegality’

Featured Episode In Policy and Political Economy

February 23, 2026
GuestsRené Flores
When stereotypes substitute for evidence, the consequences can be severe. Sociologist René Flores breaks down how Americans form suspicions of "social illegality," why crime myths dominate immigration attitudes, and what it means for people living under that suspicion.