Exodus: How Migration Is Changing Our World

Paul Collier is a British economist and academic whose work focuses on development economics, poverty, and the global effects of migration. He is a Professor of Economics and Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford and has served as the Director of the Centre for the Study of African Economies. Collier has also worked as a policy advisor to organizations such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the United Nations.

Born in Sheffield, England, Collier’s academic career began with a focus on the economics of underdeveloped regions. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in economics and later completed a PhD, specializing in the economic challenges faced by the world’s poorest nations. This foundation shaped his career-long exploration of topics like poverty traps, governance, and migration. Over the years, he has become known for his ability to connect rigorous economic analysis with pressing real-world issues, including resource wealth, civil conflict, and global inequality. 

His work in development economics includes significant contributions to understanding how migration affects both host countries and countries of origin. His role as a consultant to international organizations has also provided him with practical insights into the policymaking process, which are reflected in his work.