Chris Blattman is an Assistant Professor of Political Science & International Public Affairs at Columbia University, where he teaches on the political economy of development, African politics, applied statistics, and the causes of war and violence. Dr. Blattman’s research examines the causes and consequences of poverty and violence. Past work has focused on the political and economic consequences of war violence. His present work looks at the determinants of youth employment and poverty alleviation, and the link between economic success and aggression and social instability. Much of his work employs field experiments and natural experiments in conflict and post-conflict regions. He has ongoing studies in Liberia, Uganda, and Ethiopia.