Leon Wansleben

Leon Wansleben is a Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies (MPIfG) in Cologne, Germany, leading the Research Group on Contested Ecologies. He previously served as Head of the Sociology of Public Finances and Debt group and held an Assistant Professorship in Sociology at the London School of Economics (2014–2018). His work focuses on the sociology of the state, decarbonization, energy transitions, and monetary/fiscal policies. Wansleben earned his PhD in Sociology from the University of Konstanz (2010) and held a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Lucerne (2010–2014).

Research Interests: Wansleben’s research examines how central banks shape economic policy, the regulatory challenges of energy transitions, and the interplay between state power and financial markets. His acclaimed book The Rise of Central Banks: State Power in Financial Capitalism (2023) analyzes the paradox of increased central bank influence alongside persistent financial instability.

Publications & Awards: Key articles include studies on fiscal federalism, regulatory labor divisions, and contested ecologies. His honors include the LSE Excellence in Education Award (2016) and the Ambizione Scholarship (Swiss National Science Foundation, 2014–2015). He frequently collaborates with interdisciplinary teams at MPIfG and international institutions.

Grants & Labs: Leads the MPIfG’s research on contested ecologies and public finances. His work engages with policymakers to address sustainable energy transitions and financial system reforms. No formal advisees are listed, but his research groups host postdoctoral and doctoral researchers.