Edward (Ted) Miguel

Edward Miguel, a distinguished economics professor at UC Berkeley, dives into development economics, focusing on poverty reduction in sub-Saharan Africa. He discusses the evolution of empirical methods like randomized controlled trials, spotlighting their role in improving global health and economic growth. With a look at cash transfers in Kenya, he highlights their transformative potential. Miguel also addresses climate change's effects on decision-making and the importance of transparency in research, drawing parallels with AI's role in economic analysis and social dynamics.

Discussing the impact of climate change on conflict dynamics in Africa, including the relationship between rising temperatures, extreme droughts, and resource competition. Highlighting the need for adaptations and policies to address escalating conflict risks and the correlation between climate-induced stress, resource competition, and violent conflicts in regions like Tanzania, Mali, and Nigeria.

Edward Miguel, a UC Berkeley professor renowned for his work on randomized controlled trials in economics, dives into an array of fascinating topics. He discusses the dramatic impacts of deworming on children's health and education in Kenya. Miguel also sheds light on the surprising link between climate change and conflict in Africa, illustrating how rainfall patterns can influence instability. Additionally, he shares insights from a unique study on parking violations by UN diplomats, revealing unexpected ties between corruption and diplomatic behaviors.