Ernesto Dal Bó

Research Bio

Ernesto Dal Bó is a political economist interested in governance broadly understood. His research focuses on a range of topics: political influence, social conflict, corruption, morality and social norms, state formation, the development of state capabilities, and the qualities and behavior of politicians and public servants. Most of his teaching takes place in the Berkeley MBA program and at the doctoral level where he teaches courses on political economy.

Research Expertise and Interest

applied microeconomic theory, political economy, corruption and influence, collective decision-making, coercion, quality of politicians, state capabilities

In the News

Are politicians smarter than CEOs?

Though Americans can’t seem to say enough bad things about their elected representatives, new research from Berkeley-Haas shows that politicians aren’t necessarily a bunch of good-for-nothings — at least in Sweden.

Teaching

Courses taught during the three most recent terms
2026 Spring

  • Senior Honors Thesis  [ECON H195B]  

  • Ethics and Responsibility in Business  [EWMBA 207]  

  • Ethics and Responsibility in Business  [EWMBA 207]  

  • Political Economy: Frameworks  [PHDBA 279PA]  

  • Directed Advanced Study  [POLSCI 292]  

  • Directed Dissertation Research  [POLSCI 296]  

2025 Fall

  • Directed Advanced Study  [POLSCI 292]  

  • Directed Dissertation Research  [POLSCI 296]  

  • Professional Preparation for Graduate Student Instructors.  [POLSCI 398]  

2025 Spring

  • Senior Honors Thesis  [ECON H195B]  

  • Ethics and Responsibility in Business  [EWMBA 207]  

  • Ethics and Responsibility in Business  [EWMBA 207]  

  • The Economic Institutions of Capitalism in Historical Perspective  [PHDBA 279PD]  

  • Selected Topics in Methodology  [POLSCI 239]  

  • Directed Advanced Study  [POLSCI 292]  

  • Directed Dissertation Research  [POLSCI 296]