Contents
Kaushik Basu
Connecting economic theory with development policy as a World Bank chief economist and adviser to India.
Traveller’s dilemma · Beyond the Invisible Hand
- Born
- 9 January 1952
- Birthplace
- Kolkata, India
More people
Kaushik Basu
Kaushik Basu is an Indian economist. His work ranges from game theory and child labour to public policy, alongside senior roles in India and at the World Bank.
Early life
Kolkata schooling
Attended St. Xavier’s Collegiate School before studying economics in Delhi.
London doctorate
Completed his PhD at the London School of Economics in 1976 under Amartya Sen.
Career
- 1990s
Research and teaching
Founded Delhi’s Centre for Development Economics in 1992 and later joined Cornell.
- 2009–2012
Indian government
Served as chief economic adviser to India’s Ministry of Finance.
- 2012–2016
World Bank
Served as chief economist before returning to academic work.
Selected work
Traveller’s dilemma
Introduced a game that challenges assumptions about rational decision-making.
Beyond the Invisible Hand
Examined the social and moral foundations of markets.
The Republic of Beliefs
Used game theory to explore how laws influence behaviour.
Beyond work
Public writing
Explains economic and political questions through essays and newspaper columns.
Games and literature
Created a two-player Sudoku variant and wrote the play Crossings at Benaras Junction.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Further biography and career ↗Photo: Kaushik Basu1952. CC0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
