Sir Paul Collier
Development economist and author, Sir Paul Collier, joined us to discuss global economic development, fragile states, and the future of capitalism
Sir Paul Collier is a professor of Economics and Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, and a director of the International Growth Centre. His work focuses on the intersection of economic policy, governance, and social challenges, particularly in low-income countries. Collier’s expertise in understanding the causes of poverty, state fragility, and migration has led to numerous contributions to global policy discussions, including his role as a former Director of the Development Research Department at the World Bank Blavatnik School of Government Centre for Economic Policy Research
From Poverty to Prosperity : How can Fragile Nations Manufacture Turnarounds
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Biography
Collier grew up in Sheffield, UK, and went on to become one of the world’s most respected development economists. He has been knighted for his services to promoting research and policy development in Africa and other low-income regions. Over his career, he has received several honorary degrees and fellowships, underscoring his contributions to the field. His academic work spans development economics, the political economy of fragile states, and the challenges posed by urbanization and migration in the developing world. Wikipedia SIAF
The Bottom Billion and The Future of Capitalism
Collier’s The Bottom Billion explores why the world’s poorest countries are failing to develop and what can be done to help them escape poverty. He argues that a combination of poor governance, conflict, and mismanagement of natural resources has kept these nations trapped in poverty. This work has been widely influential in shaping development policies across the globe.
In The Future of Capitalism, Collier turns his attention to the economic divides in developed nations, addressing the fractures between urban elites and those left behind in less prosperous regions. He advocates for rethinking the moral obligations within society, proposing reforms that emphasize mutual responsibility between individuals, businesses, and governments.
Thought Leadership
Throughout his career, Collier has combined rigorous economic analysis with practical policy recommendations. His books and research continue to influence discussions around global poverty, migration, and the future of capitalism. His work not only identifies the root causes of economic disparity but also offers actionable solutions to bridge these gaps, making his contributions essential to policymakers and scholars alike.
Sir Paul Collier’s extensive work across various fields—development economics, urbanization, migration—continues to provide valuable insights for tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges.