Daniel Arce

Dr. Daniel Arce is the Ashbel Smith Professor of Economics and Program Head of Economics at the University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas), within the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences. He holds a PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has over 30 years of academic experience, including roles at Rhodes College and the University of Alabama. His research focuses on applied game theory, business ethics, cybersecurity, defense economics, and counterterrorism, with notable contributions to understanding terrorist organizational dynamics and counterterror policy effectiveness.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1992)
• D.E. in Economics, Universidad de los Andes (1986)
• M.A. in Economics, Western Michigan University (1985)
• B.A. in Mathematics and Spanish, Olivet College (1984)

Research Interests: Dr. Arce’s work integrates game theory with real-world issues such as business ethics, cybersecurity, and global public goods. He has extensively studied Latin American economies and contributed to understanding collective action problems in counterterrorism. His research highlights the economic dimensions of terrorism, including recruitment patterns, attack motivations, and policy backlashes.

Publications & Awards:

• Co-editor of the Southern Economic Journal.
• Recipient of the UT System Regents’ Outstanding Teacher Award (2013).
• Author of over 60 peer-reviewed articles in top journals such as Journal of Conflict Resolution and Defence & Peace Economics.
• Recipient of two Fulbright Grants for South American research.

Grants & Appointments:

• Lead researcher on DHS-funded counterterrorism studies (CREATE).
• Member of the Institutional Dimensions of Global Environmental Change (IDGEC).
• Editorial roles at Defence and Peace Economics and Southern Economic Journal.
• Consultant for the United Nations Development Programme and World Bank.

Teaching & Leadership: Known for innovative teaching methods, Arce’s courses include game theory, business ethics, and Latin American development (taught in Spanish). He has led the UT Dallas Economics Program twice and emphasized ethics integration in business education.