David Skarbek

I am a Lecturer in Political Economy in the Department of Political Economy at King's College London. My research examines how extralegal governance institutions form, operate, and evolve, and in particular, how people define and enforce property rights and engage in trade in the absence of strong, effective governments. My new book, The Social Order of the Underworld, applies this interest to understanding the consequences of America's unique experiment with mass incarceration. In short, I ask, who makes law for the outlaws?

I received a Ph.D. in Economics at George Mason University, after which I taught in the Department of Political Science at Duke University. My academic articles have been published in numerous journals, including the American Political Science Review, Journal of Law, Economics, & Organization, Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Journal of Criminal Justice, and Public Choice.

I enjoy giving talks about political and economic issues around the world. I've recently given academic seminars and public talks in Wales, Belgium, Italy, England, and in the United States, including at Stanford University, the National Bureau of Economic Research, George Mason University, and Texas Tech.

My personal webpage is www.davidskarbek.com. I tweet at @davidskarbek