Meet the Harvard CID faculty affiliates advancing research in governance, political economy, and public management to strengthen institutions and improve policy outcomes worldwide.
Governance and public management shape the fabric of societies—determining how power is exercised, resources are distributed, and citizens' needs are met.
For many, interactions with government are shaped by bureaucratic inefficiencies, corruption, political exclusion, and limited access to decision-making. At CID, our research in governance, political economy, and public management explores how institutions, policies, and management practices can foster transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance.
Faculty affiliates from across Harvard examine decision-making processes, power dynamics, public sector effectiveness, civic engagement, and the influence of both formal and informal political structures on societal outcomes. From evaluating public sector reforms and anti-corruption strategies to analyzing protests and policy implementation challenges, CID researchers are generating insights to strengthen responsive, effective, and equitable governance worldwide.
Harvard CID Faculty Affiliates Examining Governance, Political Economy, & Public Management
Professor of Economics, Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Tarek Masoud
Tarek Masoud
Ford Foundation Professor of Democracy and Governance, Harvard Kennedy School
Byron Wien Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School
Associate Professor of Global Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Gautam Nair
Gautam Nair
Assistant Professor of Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School
Assistant Professor of Government, Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Featured Research on Governance, Political Economy, & Public Management
CID faculty research insights look at publications by Harvard faculty that have shaped current understanding of governance, political economy, and public management. These summaries distill complex findings into accessible takeaways for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers.
Harvard CID Faculty Publications
Read the latest research from CID faculty affiliates on governance, political economy, and public management, covering topics such as institutional effectiveness, political decision-making, public service delivery, and citizen engagement. These publications provide evidence-based insights to strengthen governance and promote inclusive development.
Governance and resilience as entry points for transforming food systems in the countdown to 2030
Governance and resilience as entry points for transforming food systems in the countdown to 2030
Of 42 global food system indicators tracked since 2000, only 20 show positive trends. Governance factors—like civil society participation and food policy—emerge as the most connected levers for change, especially where poor diets or food insecurity persist.
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Third Party Presence and the Political Salience of Ethnicity in Survey Data
Third Party Presence and the Political Salience of Ethnicity in Survey Data
In Karachi, Pakistan, respondents interviewed near friends or family showed 28% stronger support for ethnic parties. This study finds social pressure—especially from coethnics—can skew survey answers, revealing how norms shape political attitudes in diverse societies.
CID Faculty Affiliate:
Government Performance and Democracy: Survey Experimental Evidence from 12 Countries during Covid-19
Government Performance and Democracy: Survey Experimental Evidence from 12 Countries during Covid-19
A 12-country survey of 22,500 people shows that dissatisfaction with COVID-19 responses lowered trust in democracy by 0.5 points—but didn’t boost support for autocracy. Both health and economic missteps eroded trust, showing that bad governance fuels democratic discontent.
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Explore research from Harvard CID faculty affiliates tackling critical questions on governance, political economy, and public management to drive effective and inclusive development.