My program of research sits at the intersection of agricultural economics, economic development, and political economy. I use granular spatial and temporal data to study relationships between commodity markets and social conflict, with a particular focus on developing countries. My work has appeared in top-tier journals including the American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Journal of Peace Research, World Development, and Global Environmental Change. My research is supported by the Australian Research Council.
I am a co-editor-in-chief of Food Policy. I am the director of the CoPE Lab, and co-organise the Social Conflict and Political Economy (SCoPE) workshop series, which brings together researchers working across economics and political science.
Recent publications
Climate, Crops, and Postharvest Conflict
American Journal of Agricultural Economics 108(1), 2026.
Working paper · Data and replication · Slides
Agricultural Roots of Social Conflict in Southeast Asia
With Justin V. Hastings. Journal of Peace Research 62(6), 2025.
Working paper · Data and replication · Slides
Agricultural Windfalls and the Seasonality of Political Violence in Africa
With Justin V. Hastings and Kadir Atalay. American Journal of Agricultural Economics 105(5), 2023.
Working paper · Data and replication · Slides