Welcome to my webpage!

I am an Associate Professor of Economics (with tenure) at the University of Lausanne.

My research works explore the roots and consequences of state capacity in public services delivery, regulation, and public infrastructure investment in both “developed” and “developing” countries.

One stream of my research focuses on the importance of culture in building state capacity. In particular, I have studied how historical shocks can impact the (contemporaneous) demand and supply sides of public services, through factors such as cultural norms, and beliefs in the State. My current research draws on philosophical perspectives to investigate the normative dimension of states—their symbolic meaning in the social imaginary, how it varies across societies, the influence of religion, its interplay with state capacity and formal institutions, and its impact on societal values and inclusivity.

Another stream of my research examines state capacity in a given contemporary context. In particular, I have investigated the effects of for-profit provision of public services on public procurement, regulation and contractual design.

In 2025, I am on leave from the University of Lausanne as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and The Pearson Institute.