Professur für Entwicklungsökonomik
und Globale Politische Ökonomie










Multiple academic journal pages spread out, featuring charts, graphs, a world map with color-coded regions, and text blocks.










RESEARCH




We investigate core questions in development economics and global political economy using rigorous quantitative methods and innovative data. Our research offers insights into policies, institutions, and the forces shaping economic and political change.














OUR CURRENT RESEARCH SPOTLIGHTS








  • Yellow wheelbarrow with two yellow jerrycans inside, handwritten text on the side reads 'SOCIAL PROJECT FOR THE GAMBIA T-K-N-S'.


    Development finance


    We analyze how public and private financial flows support development, examining allocation patterns, effectiveness, and the strategic behavior of donors, lenders, and emerging financiers in global development.







  • Model of a futuristic complex with a tall curved tower, a circular building with a blue roof, and a stepped pyramid structure, surrounded by trees and small lights.


    Trade and investment policy


    We study how trade relations and foreign investment shape economic and political outcomes. Our research examines distributional effects, geoeconomic pressures, and the implications of global value chains for developing and emerging economies.







  • Rusty, old tank with a long barrel and multiple wheels parked in front of a brick wall with colorful graffiti and loading docks.


    Natural disasters and conflicts


    We investigate how disasters and violent conflict affect economic and political trajectories. Using innovative data, we assess exposure, vulnerability, recovery dynamics, and the role of humanitarian assistance.







  • Blue ship surrounded by multiple orange life rafts floating on calm sea under partly cloudy sky.


    Migration


    We examine drivers and effects of migration, focusing on economic incentives, political conditions, demographic pressures, and foreign aid. Our work analyzes how migration reshapes labor markets, development prospects, and transnational linkages.







  • Map of Africa showing number of aid projects by region, with a color scale from light yellow (0-1) to dark brown (137-243).


    International organizations


    We study how international organizations allocate resources, coordinate policies, and influence governments. Our work analyzes governance structures, political incentives, and their impact on global development outcomes.







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    Government-led interventions and policies


    We evaluate state-driven programs and policy reforms, assessing their effectiveness, distributional impacts, and unintended consequences. Our research combines causal inference with innovative data to study policy performance.



























PROJECTS





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Economic and Ideological Causes of Political Radicalization and Violence: Evidence From the 1789 French Revolution


Project investigates economic and ideological causes of radicalization during the French Revolution using historical data and causal analysis






Logo with a stylized fork and knife inside a rounded square, next to the word 'ENOUGH' in green and smaller text 'EUROPEAN FOOD CHAIN SUPPLY TO REDUCE GHG EMISSIONS BY 2050' below


ENOUGH – a new EU project that will identify how food industry can become net zero by 2050


Project supports the EU Farm to Fork Strategy with technical, financial, and policy solutions to reduce greenhouse gases in the food industry.






Blue construction sign with Chinese and English text reading 'WORKS IN PROGRESS SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE CAUSED' beside a road with a green car and trees in the background.


China in Africa: Exploring the Consequences for Economic and Social Development


Project examines China's influence in Africa, particularly how Chinese development cooperation and trade shape the socioeconomic situation and political attitudes.






Map of the United States with vertical bars of varying heights indicating data points across multiple cities.


Coming to America: Immigration, Political Campaigning, and Polarization


Project examines how politicians exploit migration in election campaigns and how donors respond. It uses new US refugee data (1975–2018) and innovative methods.






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Empirical Analyses of Emerging Donors in Development Cooperation


Project studies how emerging donors allocate and impact aid using new detailed data, subnational analysis, and broader well-being measures like health, migration, and perceptions.






Map of China showing provinces shaded in a gradient from light yellow to dark brown representing values from $11K to $4B.


Mapping China's Economic Diplomacy (ChiWiDi)


ChiWiDi maps China's economic diplomacy, creating new subnational data on aid and visits to analyze how China uses diplomacy to advance global trade influence.
















SELECTED PUBLICATIONS















PERSONAL RESEARCH WEBSITES


















DATABASES CREATED BY TEAM MEMBERS


















COOPERATION PARTNERS