Dani Rodrik is a preeminent economist renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to international political economy and economic development. He currently serves as the Ford Foundation Professor of International Political Economy at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, where he has held faculty positions since 1996 with a brief interlude at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton. Professor Rodrik earned his A.B. from Harvard College, followed by an MPA and Ph.D. in economics from Princeton University, establishing a strong foundation for his interdisciplinary approach to economic policy analysis. Throughout his distinguished career, he has held leadership positions including President of the International Economic Association from 2021 to 2023 and co-founded the Women in Leadership in Economics initiative. His academic journey reflects a consistent commitment to bridging theoretical economics with practical policy applications across diverse institutional settings.
Professor Rodrik's seminal research has fundamentally reshaped understanding of globalization's complex relationship with democracy and national economic policy space, most notably through his influential book The Globalization Paradox Democracy and the Future of the World Economy which has become essential reading in international economics. His earlier work Has Globalization Gone Too Far challenged conventional wisdom about the benefits of unfettered globalization and laid the groundwork for contemporary debates about inclusive economic policies. Rodrik's scholarship uniquely combines rigorous economic analysis with deep political insights, examining how institutions shape economic growth and development outcomes across different national contexts. His concept of economic super globalization and arguments about the trilemma of globalization national sovereignty and democracy have influenced policymakers worldwide and generated extensive academic discourse. The breadth and impact of his work are reflected in numerous prestigious awards including the Albert O. Hirschman Prize and the Princess of Asturias Award for Social Sciences.
Beyond his scholarly contributions, Professor Rodrik has played a pivotal role in shaping economic discourse through his widely read monthly columns for Project Syndicate and active engagement with policymakers globally. He currently co-directs the Reimagining the Economy Program at Harvard Kennedy School and the Economics for Inclusive Prosperity network, which brings together leading economists to develop policy frameworks that prioritize equitable growth. His ongoing research investigates the challenges of employment and economic growth in both developing and advanced economies, addressing pressing contemporary issues of inequality and technological disruption. Professor Rodrik continues to mentor the next generation of economists while maintaining his position as a thought leader who challenges orthodoxies and offers pragmatic solutions to complex economic problems. His work remains profoundly influential in academic circles and policy debates worldwide, cementing his legacy as one of the most important economic thinkers of our time.
