Eric Mvukiyehe

Eric Mvukiyehe is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at Duke University, specializing in sub-state violence, peacekeeping interventions, and post-conflict development. A survivor of political violence in Zaire (now DRC) during his youth, he transitioned from medicine to law and later earned a PhD in Political Science from Columbia University. He spent over a decade at the World Bank leading the Evidence for Peace (E4Peace) program, evaluating aid effectiveness in conflict zones. His research focuses on governance in fragile states, gender dynamics in labor markets, and the impacts of cash transfer programs. His work combines rigorous field experiments with policy analysis, addressing issues like migration incentives in Comoros and gender-responsive economic interventions in Tunisia.

Education:

• Bachelor’s in Political Science (University of Washington, 2000s)
• PhD in Political Science (Columbia University)

Research Interests:

Mvukiyehe’s four core research areas include peacekeeping efficacy, public goods provision in conflict zones, gender norms and labor opportunities, and economic insecurity reduction strategies. His work emphasizes the microfoundations of order restoration and the interplay between local institutions and international interventions.

Recent Work Trends:

His recent studies analyze cash transfer program impacts, migration behavior, and gender-sensitive policy design. Findings highlight both short-term benefits and unintended consequences of economic interventions in fragile regions.

Advising & Grants:

He has led large-scale randomized control trials across Africa and the Middle East, collaborating with global institutions like the World Bank and USAID. Currently oversees a team analyzing post-conflict governance and economic interventions at Duke.

Labs/Teams:

Former director of the World Bank’s E4Peace program; currently integrates interdisciplinary approaches in Duke’s Political Science Department.