Chris Blattman is an economist, political scientist, professor, and author whose work explores poverty, political engagement, violence, crime, and public policy in developing countries. A professor at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy, he combines field research and statistical analysis to examine why societies experience poverty and conflict, and which events or interventions can help people move beyond them.

His website brings together research, writing, teaching materials, and commentary on international development, economics, politics, and policy. Visitors can read published articles and working papers, follow his blog, explore popular writing and media coverage, and find resources for high school, undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students, as well as faculty. The site also shares information about his courses and advice on research and writing.

Blattman is the author of Why We Fight: The Roots of War and the Paths to Peace, a book examining why conflicts become wars and how that process might be interrupted. His research includes work on state-building in Medellín and criminal governance.