Academic researchers, policy practitioners, and the general public alike have come to depend on indicators of democracy such as the Freedom House and Polity indexes. Such indicators are used to trace waves of democracy, educate students about world politics, test theories about the causes and consequences of democracy, allocate foreign aid, assess efforts to promote… Continue reading Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem)
Research Theme: Political Economy & Development
RAPID: Quasi-Experiment on the Effect of Disaster-induced Displacement
This project examines the political consequences of Hurricane Harvey by studying post-Harvey migration patterns as an event with serious political and economic consequences. This framework examines variations in the decision of displaced individuals to move to different areas and how this affects their associated experience. Researchers also examine how people’s political attitudes change in response… Continue reading RAPID: Quasi-Experiment on the Effect of Disaster-induced Displacement
Dincecco,Mark
Mark Dincecco is Professor of Political Science at the University of Michigan. His research examines the process of political and economic development both historically and today, with a focus on the drivers of effective governance and its implications for economic prosperity. Dincecco has published numerous articles in leading journals across both political science and economics.… Continue reading Dincecco,Mark
Mobilizing Social Assets for Productive Use of Renewable Energy in Rural Tanzania
Building on research and data from the “Transformations in Poverty and Property Rights in Rural Tanzania” project (2009-present), the key objectives of this study are to: Strengthen understanding of the types of social assets that can advance productive uses of renewable energy in rural Tanzania; Enhance capacity in regional universities for assessment of village-based social assets that… Continue reading Mobilizing Social Assets for Productive Use of Renewable Energy in Rural Tanzania
Arab Barometer
The Arab Barometer was established in 2005 by the Institute for Social Research of the University of Michigan in close collaboration with institutions and scholars in the Arab world. The project is a multi-country survey project that provides data for theory-driven scholarly inquiry and for dissemination and outreach activities that are useful for political development.… Continue reading Arab Barometer
Min,Brian K
Brian Min studies the political economy of development, with a focus on the politics of energy, ethnic politics, and civil conflict. His current research asks: How do governments distribute basic public services when budget constraints necessitate their rationing? Using satellite imagery of nighttime lights and other high-resolution geo-coded data available across the entire globe and… Continue reading Min,Brian K
Hicken,Allen D
Professor Hicken studies political institutions and political economy in developing countries. His primary focus has been on political parties and party systems in developing democracies and their role in policymaking. His regional specialty is Southeast Asia where he has worked in Thailand, the Philippines and Cambodia.