Peter Debaere

Peter Debaere is the Tipton R. Snavely Professor of Business Administration at the University of Virginia's Darden Graduate School of Business, where he serves as faculty leader for the Executive MBA program. He teaches the core Global Economies and Markets course and developed electives on Global Economics of Water and Managing International Trade and Investment. An international economist with dual expertise in trade policy and water economics, Debaere leads UVA's Global Water Initiative.

His educational background includes:

• B.A. from KUL, Belgium
• M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Debaere's research investigates fundamental questions about trade theory applicability, multinational operations, and the global economics of water scarcity. His current work examines water market mechanisms as solutions to scarcity, building on his analysis of U.S. water use patterns and cross-border water dependencies. This research bridges theoretical economics with urgent policy applications in resource management.

His publication trajectory shows a strategic evolution from foundational trade theory (2003-2010) toward applied water economics (2012-2014), consistently appearing in top journals like Journal of Political Economy and American Economic Journal. Recent work integrates environmental concerns with international economics, reflecting growing policy relevance of water security issues.

Debaere has received significant recognition:

• Multiyear Outstanding Teacher Award for consistent top 10% performance at Darden

He directs the Global Water Initiative, securing a Rockefeller Grant to study water markets with The Nature Conservancy across the U.S., Chile, and Mexico. His advisory roles include the Center for German Studies' board where he addresses transatlantic environmental policy. While specific students aren't listed, his EMBA leadership involves extensive student mentorship in global business contexts.

Debaere co-organizes UVA's World Water Day symposia and maintains cross-disciplinary ties through affiliations with Darden's Institute for Business in Society and the university's Economics department, fostering collaborative approaches to water challenges.