A working group, organized by Professor Rueschemeyer, has been exploring the role of states in social and economic development. Begun in the spring of 2001, the group's aim has been to gain insights that would be of value to regions of the world where state functioning has been most problematic. Its work combines broad historical examinations of "state making" with cross-national statistical studies and theoretical modeling.
The Group also hosts an Effective and Defective States Seminar Series.
Working Group: Linda J. Cook, Abbott Gleason, Patrick Heller, Watson Institute; José Itzigsohn, James Mahoney, and Louis Putterman, Brown University; Peter Uvin, Institute of Humanitarian Studies, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University.