Michael L. Ross
Michael L. Ross is a Professor of Political Science and Director of the UCLA Center for Southeast Asian Studies.
He earned his Ph.D. from Princeton University and previously taught at the University of Michigan.
Ross's research focuses on political economy, democratization, and natural resources in developing countries, with a particular interest in Southeast Asia.
His work on the "resource curse" examines why countries rich in natural resources often underperform economically.
Ross has received recognition for his research, including the Heinz Eulau Award for his article "Oil, Islam, and Women." He has also served as a visiting scholar at the World Bank and chaired UCLA's International Development Studies program.
