Expertise

Alston’s research interests over the years have focused on the important roles of institutions, beliefs and contracts in shaping economic and political outcomes in multiple domains. Issues examined include the governance and use of natural resources historically and today; the growth of the U.S. welfare system in the U.S. in the 1960s; and the historical trajectory of Brazil from 1964 to present. 

Alston's research interests over the years have focused on the important roles of institutions, beliefs and contracts in shaping economic and political outcomes in multiple domains. Issues examined include the governance and use of natural resources historically and today, including the impact of land titles in the Amazon; the growth of the U.S. welfare system in the U.S. from the late 19th century to the 1960s; the historical trajectory of Brazil from 1964 to 2016; a framework for understanding economic and political outcomes; and the the logic of leadership and organizational hierarchies.


Research: Economic history & development; Institutional analysis; Property rights to land & other natural resources


Keywords:

  • Brazilian Studies
Communities
Economics, Political Sciencelude the role of the US South in shaping the welfare system in the 1960s; titles and land conflict in the Amazon; and the governance and use of natural resources, historically and today. His research interests include: the roles of institutions, beliefs and contracts in shaping economic and political outcomes in the United States and Latin America. Issues examined include the role of the U.S. South in shaping the welfare system in the 1960s; titles and land
Degrees
PhD, University of Washington, 1978
MA, University of Washington, 1975
BA, Indiana University, Economics, 1973