James Putzel

James Putzel is Professor of Development Studies at LSE's Department of International Development, where he previously served as Department Director. He directs research on crisis states through the Crisis States Research Centre, funded by UK's Department for International Development. His expertise covers governance in fragile states, political Islam, and HIV/AIDS policy in developing contexts.

Putzel's research examines state fragility, post-conflict reconstruction, and the politics of poverty reduction, with regional focus on Southeast Asia and Africa. His influential publications challenge conventional development paradigms through analysis of institutional change and political settlements.

• Dudley Seers Prize (1999)

He has conducted extensive fieldwork and consultancy for UN agencies, governments, and NGOs. Current research explores democratic backsliding and the political economy of populist challenges to neoliberalism.