Christopher Blattman

Christopher Blattman is the Ramalee E. Pearson Professor of Global Conflict Studies at the Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago, and a faculty member at The Pearson Institute for the Study and Resolution of Global Conflicts. His research focuses on poverty, political inequality, and violence reduction, with a focus on developing countries. He holds a PhD in Economics from UC Berkeley and an MA in Public Administration from Harvard’s Kennedy School. His work bridges academia and policy, collaborating with governments and NGOs to design interventions addressing violence and poverty.

Key research areas include gang governance in Colombia, urban violence in Chicago, and conflict prediction in post-war societies. He leads the Peace & Recovery program at Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) and is affiliated with NBER, UChicago Urban Labs, and the International Growth Center. His book Why We Fight (2022) challenges conventional views on war and peace.

Blattman has advised the World Bank, UN, and governments in Uganda, Liberia, Colombia, and the U.S. His experimental studies include cognitive behavioral therapy’s long-term impact on reducing violence and the effects of economic programs on youth in conflict zones. He emphasizes data-driven approaches to policy, such as randomized controlled trials in crime prevention and poverty alleviation.