The University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy

🌍 New coverage in the Hyde Park Herald highlights research by Prof. Austin Wright examining the effects of the abrupt USAID shutdown. A recent study by Wright and coauthors found that African regions experienced increases in violent conflict following the aid cuts.

USAID shutdown linked to rise in violence across Africa, U. of C. researcher finds What happens when you put the country’s premier humanitarian and foreign aid agency through the proverbial woodchipper? A marked increase in violence, according to a May paper co-authored by University

In a new story on Elon Musk becoming the world's first trillionaire, Professor Steven Durlauf highlights the unprecedented scale of wealth concentration. “The fact is that wealth for some and wealth inequality is growing in dimensions that we’ve never seen before."

Elon Musk Becomes the World’s First Trillionaire With SpaceX shares soaring 20 percent on their first day of trading, the world’s richest person crossed another milestone — one with 13 digits.

Calling all nonprofit and local government leaders from the City of Chicago and Cook County – the 2027 cohort of the Civic Leadership Academy (CLA) is now open for applications!

CLA is an interdisciplinary leadership development program for emerging and high-potential leaders in nonprofit organizations and local government agencies within the City of Chicago and Cook County.

The immersive, six-month curriculum provides each cohort with:
💡 Essential knowledge and skills to lead their organizations
💡 Networking, personal growth, and a dedicated alumni community
💡 Courses by an interdisciplinary set of UChicago faculty
💡 Global exposure through Global Practicum trip abroad
💡 Certificate from the Harris School of Public Policy

Apply now before August 31st:

Apply now before August 31st CLA is an interdisciplinary leadership development program for emerging and high-potential leaders in nonprofit organizations and local government agencies within the City of Chicago and Cook County.

In The New York Times, Prof. Ryan Kellogg explains that the last major episode of sustained oil “demand destruction” came during the 1970s energy crisis, reshaping consumer behavior and fuel-economy standards. Will today’s disruptions will trigger lasting changes?

As Oil Prices Spike, Talk of ‘Demand Destruction’ Sets In The decades-old term refers to the sustained loss of demand for a commodity, caused by high prices.

Rain couldn't stop the Harris Class of 2026 from celebrating a milestone moment.

At commencement, Dean Ethan Bueno de Mesquita offered graduates a powerful reminder: their Harris education has equipped them with disciplined imagination—the ability to revise their thinking intelligently, build better frameworks when old ones no longer fit, and act responsibly even in uncertainty.

"It is what you owe the people and institutions you will serve. And it is the enduring tradition of this University and this School, of which you are all now a vital part."

Congratulations to every member of the Class of 2026. Your journey at Harris has prepared you to tackle complex challenges with rigor, creativity, and purpose. We're excited to see the impact you'll make.

New reporting highlights research by Prof. Austin Wright on the consequences of the abrupt USAID shutdown. Wright and his co-authors found that African regions with higher historical exposure to USAID experienced sharp increases in conflict after the cuts.

USAID shutdown linked to sharp increase in violence across Africa: Research New research suggests the shutdown of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) led to sharp increases in violence throughout Africa. African countries that received the most support from ...

Senior Lecturer Rebecca Wolfe is live on Reddit for an AMA on conflict, peacebuilding, and development.

Ask your questions: https://har.rs/43hNfHf

Finnegan Keilty, MPP Class of 2027, writes about his experience in the Career Development Office’s Careers In Municipal Finance” course, in which he and his classmates had the opportunity to learn about public finance and municipal bonds through various issuers, agencies, and nonprofits in the Chicagoland area. "Now, when it comes time to apply for full-time roles, I’ll have had a year of interactions and experiences to reflect on that will help guide my career search."

Read more:

My Experience in the Careers In Municipal Finance Course | Harris School of Public Policy | The University of Chicago Finnegan Keilty, MPP Class of 2027, writes about his experience in the Career Development Office’s “Careers In” courses, a series of noncredit courses that take place throughout a student’s first year and focus on a specific career path.