Shanta Devarajan
A distinguished economist shaping international development through impactful research and leadership.
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Profile
Current Role
Shanta Devarajan is currently a Professor of the Practice of International Development at Georgetown University's Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service. This position allows him to leverage his extensive experience to educate and mentor the next generation of leaders in global development.
Global Perspective
Born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, Devarajan's international background informs his understanding of diverse economic challenges and opportunities across the globe. His work consistently focuses on improving development outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.
Research Focus
His academic and professional work spans critical areas of development economics, including public economics, natural resources, environmental policy, and general equilibrium modeling. He is recognized for his contributions to understanding and addressing complex economic issues in developing nations.
Career Trajectory
World Bank Leadership
Dr. Devarajan has held numerous pivotal leadership roles at the World Bank Group, significantly influencing its development economics agenda. His tenure included serving as Senior Director for Development Economics (DEC) and notably as the Acting Chief Economist from January 2018 to November 2018.
Regional Economic Expertise
His expertise extended across various regions, where he served as Chief Economist for key areas including the Middle East and North Africa Region, the South Asia Region, and the Africa Region. He also led the Human Development Network as its Chief Economist.
Strategic Contributions
Devarajan co-directed the influential World Development Report 2004, a landmark publication that shapes global discourse on development strategies. His research management roles, particularly in Public Economics, have guided significant analytical work within the Bank.
Key Leadership Roles
His career at the World Bank demonstrates a deep commitment to advancing economic understanding and policy for development. Key positions include:
- Acting Chief Economist (Jan 2018 – Nov 2018)
- Senior Director, Development Economics (DEC)
- Chief Economist, Middle East and North Africa Region
- Chief Economist, South Asia Region
- Chief Economist, Africa Region
- Chief Economist, Human Development Network
- Principal Economist, Development Research Group (Public Economics)
Academic Foundation
Prior to his extensive career at the World Bank, Dr. Devarajan was a respected faculty member at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to economic policy and practice.
Academic Foundations
Prestigious Institutions
Dr. Devarajan's academic journey is marked by studies at globally recognized institutions, providing him with a robust theoretical and analytical foundation.
- Princeton University: Earned his Bachelor of Arts (BA).
- University of California, Berkeley: Completed his Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
This rigorous academic background underpins his extensive work in development economics.
Selected Works
Scholarly Contributions
Dr. Devarajan has authored and co-authored over 150 publications. His research explores critical aspects of development economics. Below are a few notable examples:
Academic & Authority Data
Authority Control
To ensure academic rigor and traceability, Shanta Devarajan's work and affiliations are cataloged in academic databases.
Scopus Author ID | 7004654239 |
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External Resources
Further information and academic profiles can be found through these curated links:
Georgetown University | Faculty Profile |
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World Bank | Profile |
Brookings Institution | Author Page |
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References
References
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional economic or policy advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding economic policy, development strategy, or financial matters. Always consult with qualified economists, policy advisors, or financial professionals for specific guidance related to your needs.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.