The Economst a few issues back provided its list of top young economist. It was indeed an impressive list of fast track economists. But word came to me today that Peter Leeson just made the top 200 economists under 10 year out (start date begins with first publication which in Pete's case was in his first year, so actually he still would qualify technically in the under 5 years out, in which case I am sure his ranking would be ridiculously high).
Please join me in congratulating Pete for his success. The reality is that not since Hayek, has the Austrian school of economics had a young scholar who was as successful at engaging the professional journals and generating excitement among his peers and students for his work.
Here are the working papers of the #1 guy.
Anything "Austrian" here?
http://www.princeton.edu/~mmelitz/papers.htm
Posted by: Greg Ransom | April 01, 2009 at 11:17 AM
Greg,
Nope, but I am not sure what point you are making. That we are not making in-roads. This is a complicated issue to measure and it depends on what margin we are talking about. This particular measure is biased toward journal publications and in high impact journals.
But if you look at broader trends in economic thinking, the issue becomes more ambiguous.
Pete is an unusual talent. Those of us of lesser skill work on a different margin than him to try to find some niche within the profession.
Trying and failing Greg, is different than not trying at all --- that is all I would say to young economists. You should be trying because the discipline of economics is too important to abandon.
Posted by: Peter Boettke | April 02, 2009 at 08:25 AM
Pete -- No point being made. I was curious what the top guy was up to. I haven't had a chance to read his papers.
Is there "Austrian" stuff in any other of the top 200?
No point being made. Just interested in finding out what else is out there.
Posted by: Greg Ransom | April 02, 2009 at 01:21 PM