Sandro Galea, Dean of the School of Public Health at Washington University, discusses the challenges facing public health on local podcast. Dean Galea will be moderating a special forum for the Weidenbaum Center on "Healthcare at a Crossroads: A Bipartisan Conversation on America's Future" on April 17. See our event page for more info.
The professorship was established by Economics department alumnus James Langefeld, MA '75 and PhD '83. Langenfeld was a research assistant to Murray Weidenbaum on his book "Government Mandated Price Increases" and received grants from what is now the Weidenbaum Center.
Professor Krister Knapp spoke on the ongoing war in Iran, assessing and explaning both the origins and possible outcomes of the conflict on March 19. He gave a very similar talk for the Weidenbaum Center on March 26.
The Weidenbaum Center is a research institute at Washington University in St. Louis that supports social scientific research in the fields of public policy, economics, political science, and sociology. Led by Weidenbaum Center Director Andrew Reeves (pictured), the Center funds faculty research, provides administrative support for research activities, and sponsors a wide range of public affairs programs. In doing so, the Center serves as a bridge between scholars, policymakers, and the general public.
Through unbiased empirical research and events, the Center addresses many of the pressing public policy issues facing America and the world today.
The Weidenbaum Center provides significant research support for faculty in the departments of Economics, Political Science, and Sociology. This support allows a wide array of faculty members to participate in a variety of impactful research, and is of particular importance to our younger faculty who are just starting their research careers. Research efforts contribute to work that addresses key social issues locally, nationally, and globally, and enhances the prominence of Washington University in the academic and policy world. Donations fund our grant programs which support this research. We could not support nearly as much research without this generosity.
Former United States Senator Phil Gramm discussed his new book "The Triumph of Economic Freedom: Debunking the Seven Great Myths of American Capitalism." The book argues capitalism has driven rising incomes, improved health and expanded opportunity since the Industrial Revolution. Senator Gramm argued that at key moments in U.S. history — the Progressive Era, the Great Depression and the Great Recession — government control often weakened the freedoms that fuel prosperity. Signed copies of the book were given to all in attendance. The event was cosponsored by Washington University's Olin Business School. Watch the full program on the Weidenbaum Center’s YouTube channel.
Professor Krister Knapp, Weidenbaum Center Research Fellow, spoke to a packed house assessing the historical context behind the current conflict in Iran, the strategic interests driving events on the ground, and the implications for regional stability and U.S. foreign policy. The event was part of the Weidenbaum Center's Rapid Response conversations which quickly convene scholars and the public around major international developments, providing timely analysis and opportunity for informed discussion. Read about a similar talk he gave at WashU at top of this newsletter.
Professor Lucia Motolinia examines why electoral reforms often fail in young democracies and how legislators serve their constituents when parties control the necessary resources.
Professor Michael Olson explores disfranchisement's effects, making a major contribution to our understanding of the relationship between racial discrimination at the ballot box and public policymaking.
Professor Krister Knapp addressing attendees at Iran event
Chancellor Andrew Martin and Senator Phil Gramm in discussion at Triumph of Economic Freedom event
Attendees at Iran event including Weidenbaum Center Advisory Board members Steve Knight (forefront), Molly Cline (back left), and Gayle Jackson (back right)
Weidenbaum Center Associate Director Elizabeth Pippert Larson, Senator Phil Gramm, and Weidenbaum Center Director Andrew Reeves at Triumph of Economic Freedom event
On May 1, please join us for our best event of the year, our Annual Reception! This year's reception we honor our own Steven Fazzari, Bert A. and Jeanette L. Lynch Distinguished Professor of Economics, Professor of Sociology, and former Weidenbaum Center Director, with the Weidenbaum Center Award for Excellence.
