Chris Blattman

Chris Blattman is the Ramalee E. Pearson Professor of Global Conflict Studies at the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy and a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). He is also affiliated with the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), where he serves as Co-Chair of the Crime, Violence, and Conflict sector, Co-Chair of the Crime and Violence Initiative, and Co-Chair of J-PAL North America's Crime and Violence Prevention portfolio.

Research Focus

Blattman investigates the root causes of poverty, violence, and conflict in developing societies, using field experiments to test interventions. His work spans three key areas:

• Conflict Dynamics: Examining gang governance, state-building, and war economies in Colombia, Liberia, and Uganda.
• Violence Prevention: Evaluating cognitive behavioral therapy and employment programs for high-risk groups in Chicago and Medellín.
• Poverty Alleviation: Assessing long-term impacts of cash transfers and entrepreneurship support in Ethiopia and Uganda.

His interdisciplinary approach combines economics, political science, and behavioral psychology.

Publication Insights

Blattman's recent articles (2020–2025) cluster around experimental evaluations of social interventions. Predominant themes include:

• Crime reduction via behavioral therapies and policing alternatives (e.g., READI Chicago study).
• Economic development through industrial labor and cash grants in Africa.
• Conflict prediction/resolution in fragile states, with a geographic focus on Latin America.

His work frequently appears in top economics and political science journals.

Awards and Recognition

Blattman's contributions have earned distinctions including:

• Robert O. Keohane Award for research on child soldiering coercion.
• Named professorship at the University of Chicago.
• Media coverage in NPR, The Economist, and Foreign Affairs for his policy-relevant findings.

Advising and Grants

He mentors J-PAL scholars and has secured major funding (e.g., a US$16 million UK government grant for conflict/governance research). His projects emphasize partnerships with local institutions to ensure scalable solutions.