Peter T. Leeson

Peter T. Leeson is the Duncan Black Professor of Economics and Law at George Mason University. Previously, he held visiting positions at the University of Chicago, Harvard University, and the London School of Economics. His research focuses on Austrian Economics, Experimental Economics, and Public Choice Economics, exploring topics like pirate governance, historical legal systems, and unconventional social institutions. He is the author of award-winning books such as The Invisible Hook and WTF?! An Economic Tour of the Weird, which apply economic principles to explain seemingly bizarre human behaviors. Leeson has supervised numerous PhD dissertations, including studies on medieval mortuary practices, cybersecurity economics, and the French Revolution's political economy. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and currently teaches at George Mason University's Department of Economics.

Leeson’s work bridges economics, history, and law, uncovering rationality in unconventional contexts. His research emphasizes institutional analysis and the role of incentives in shaping societal norms. Beyond academia, his writing has been featured in popular media, highlighting the accessibility of his economic insights.