Mark Blyth
Mark Blyth is the William R. Rhodes ’57 Professor of International Economics and Director of the Rhodes Center for International Economics and Finance at Brown University. A leading political economist, Blyth is widely recognized for his research on global political economy, macroeconomic policy, and the role of ideas in shaping economic institutions. His scholarship examines how state level economic actors influence ideological consensus and institutional development across countries. He is also known for high profile political and economic commentary, including early warnings about Brexit, the implications of the Trump presidency, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Blyth is the author of several influential books, including Austerity: The History of a Dangerous Idea, which was translated into 16 languages and received multiple awards for its critique of austerity economics. He also co authored Angrynomics with Eric Lonergan, a dialogue driven exploration of political anger, economic insecurity, and policy reform. Prior to joining Brown University, Blyth served as an Associate Professor of Political Science at Johns Hopkins University.
Mark Blyth Professional Experience / Academic History
Professional Experience
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The William R. Rhodes ’57 Professor of International Economics and Director of the Rhodes Center for International Economics and Finance
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Associate Professor of Political Science
Academic History
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Ph.D., Political Science
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M.Phil., Political Science
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M.A., Political Science
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B.A., Political Science
Mark Blyth’s research centers on how economic and political institutions evolve, with particular emphasis on the power of economic ideas in driving institutional change.
His work bridges macroeconomics and political science, contributing to debates on fiscal policy, financial stability, and economic governance.
Key research areas include the political economy of finance and financial markets, the political economy of modern Europe, the institutional stability and economic change, the decision making under complexity and uncertainty, and the persistence of flawed or disproven economic ideas in policymaking.
His scholarship is grounded in international political economy and explores why certain macroeconomic narratives gain traction despite contradictory empirical evidence.
RECOGNITIONS
2024 International Studies Association's Distinguished Scholar Award
2019 Open Society Foundations' Individual Scholar Fellowship
2014 Hans Matthöffer Wirtschaftspublizistik-Preis
2003 Johns Hopkins University Class of 2003 George E. Owen Teaching Award
MEDIA PRESENCE & PUBLICATIONS
Blyth is a contributor to Foreign Affairs and The Guardian, and he has appeared multiple times on Fox News, NPR, BBC, and Bloomberg to discuss global markets, macroeconomic policy, and geopolitical risk.
His academic articles have been published in leading journals including American Political Science Review, Perspectives on Politics, Comparative Politics, and World Politics.
Across books, journal articles, and media commentary, Mark Blyth remains a prominent voice in debates over austerity, financialization, European political economy, and the future of global economic governance.