We are rethinking the conditions for genuine, widespread, and sustainable prosperity.
The Berkeley Economy and Society Initiative forges collaborations across fields to reframe the study of political and economic life. Hard questions are our starting point.
Learn more about the Berkeley Economy and Society Initiative (BESI).
The Latest at BESI
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What Drives High Costs in Blue States?
BESI Political Economy of California senior researcher Samuel Trachtman explains the red-blue state cost-of-living divide.
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Jathan Sadowski: ‘A Ruthless Criticism of AI and Capitalism’
Social scientist Jathan Sadowski demystifies how the two systems of technology and capitalism work together.
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Fixing California’s Housing Shortage Requires New Policy and New Politics
BESI hosted a candid discussion on addressing California’s housing crisis with academics, practitioners, and nationally acclaimed…
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Yoni Appelbaum and Jerusalem Demsas on Housing, Mobility, and the Thwarting of Economic Opportunity
On March 11, BESI welcomed Yoni Appelbaum and Jerusalem Demsas for a highly anticipated conversation on…
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Panel: ‘Democratic Backsliding in the United States’
Legal and political scholars contextualize the rapidly infolding constitutional crisis.
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BESI Director Paul Pierson Joins KQED’s ‘Forum’ for Discussion on Billionaires in the White House
Are we now a ‘broligarchy’? A record 13 billionaires could end up serving in Trump’s administration.
Events Hosted by BESI
May 19, 2025
Online Join us for this online convening as we work to better understand the contemporary challenges and opportunities of Democratic governance. Upcoming Events
Convening: The Promises and Challenges of Governance in Blue Trifectas
Designated
Emphasis (DE) in
Political Economy
BESI is proud to support the Designated Emphasis (DE) in Political Economy, through which doctoral students in various disciplines can expand their training in political economy and take classes across UC Berkeley departments.