Kuznets Memorial Lecture: Leonard Wantchekon, Princeton University
Leonard Wantchekon of Princeton University delivered the 31st Annual Kuznets Memorial Lecture on March 31, 2022.
In this lecture, Professor Leonard Wantchekon discussed recent research on the role of political institutions in economic growth and development. He focused on frictions induced by the political process, which allows those in power to distort economic activities and public investments, and weaken market competition. Finally, Wantchekon provided an overview of institutional reforms that may curb such distortions, including improvement in government transparency, antitrust legislations, bureaucratic reforms, and campaign finance laws.
More information can be found on the EGC website.
Professor Leonard Wantchekon
Leonard Wantchekon, Presenter of the 31st Annual Kuznets Memorial Lecture
Leonard Wantchekon is the James Madison Professor of Political Economy and Professor of Politics and International Affairs at Princeton University. He is also the Founder and President of the African School of Economics and the Pan African Scientific Research Council.
Wantchekon's research centers on political economy, development economics and economic history with a regional focus on Africa. He also covers substantive topics such as democracy and development, education and social mobility, and the long-term social impact of slavery and colonial rule.
Finally, Wantchekon is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Econometric Society, the Bureau for Research and Economic Analysis of Development (BREAD) and Research Affiliate at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). He previously served as Vice President of the American Political Science Association and is currently on the Executive Committee of the International Economic Association.
Kuznets Mini-Conference
As part of the 31st Annual Kuznets Lecture, a mini-conference spotlighting work of young economists was held on Friday, April 1, 2022. Focusing on research related to the political economy of development, Wantchekon designed the agenda and took part as a keynote speaker.