About
Cass R. Sunstein is the Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard University and founder/director of the Program on Behavioral Economics and Public Policy at Harvard Law School. He has served in key government roles, including Administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (2009–2012) and Senior Counselor to the Secretary of Homeland Security under the Biden Administration. He was awarded the Holberg Prize in 2018 and the Distinguished Public Service Medal in 2024.
Education: While specific degrees are not detailed in the text, Sunstein's extensive academic and policy career reflects deep expertise in law, economics, and public policy, with a focus on constitutional and administrative law.
Research Interests: Sunstein's work spans behavioral economics, constitutional law, administrative law, regulatory policy, and technology law. He is a pioneer in applying behavioral insights to public policy, notably through the concept of “nudging.” His current projects explore the regulatory state, “sludge” (administrative burdens), fake news, and freedom of speech.
Recent Publications: His 2025 publications include Our Marbury: Loper Bright and the Administrative State, analyzing the implications of overruling Chevron, and Do Social Media Platforms Increase Well-Being?, which explores behavioral puzzles in digital consumption. Other works delve into algorithmic harm, constitutional vertigo, and the ethics of influence.
Awards and Honors:
- Holberg Prize (2018) – often described as the Nobel equivalent for law and humanities
- Distinguished Public Service Medal, Department of Homeland Security (2024)
Advising and Grants: Sunstein has advised the UN, European Commission, World Bank, and WHO, where he chairs the technical advisory group on Behavioural Insights and Sciences for Health. His work influences global policy on regulation, AI governance, and public health.
Labs and Teams: He directs the Program on Behavioral Economics and Public Policy at Harvard Law School, fostering interdisciplinary research and policy innovation.
