Welcome! I am an Assistant Professor at the KDI School of Public Policy and Management (KDI School). In 2022, I received my Ph.D. in Political Science from New York University (NYU).
My research lies at the intersection of comparative politics and political economy, focusing on sub-Saharan Africa.
I examine how development aid affects political institutions in Africa and the political dynamics that shape the implementation of foreign aid programs. My work focuses on the electoral incentives and career concerns that shape the strategic decisions of local elites.
Since 2022, I have been co-organizing the KDI School--World Bank DIME Development Impact conference (2022, 2023). During 2016-22, I served as a graduate student focal point at NYU for the CAPERS.
I can be reached by email: dlee@kdis.ac.kr
My C.V. is available here.
Research
Working Paper
"Global Aid and Local Politician Effort: Evidence from Kenya"
"Targeting Coethnic Elites or Voters? Evidence from Aid Allocation in Malawi"
Work in Progress
"Empowering the People: How to Promote Political Representation for the Poor?" with Antonella Bandiera (ITAM), Cyrus Samii (NYU), and Francis Touloa Meda (NYU)
"Divergence in Policy Priority between the Affluent and the Poor" with Antonella Bandiera (ITAM) and Cyrus Samii (NYU)
"Bureaucrats in Fragile States: Evidence from the DRC" with Eric Mvukiyehe (Duke), Guo Xu (UC Berkeley), Christelle Tchoupé (World Bank), and Hongshen Zhu (U Penn)
"Civil Conflicts, Civic Engagement, and Public Service Delivery: Evidence from Africa" with Eric Mvukiyehe (Duke), Matías Iglesias, and Benjamin Krick (Duke)
"Patronage or Competence? Ministerial Appointment in Africa"
Teaching
PhD courses
Foundations of Public Policy (Fall 2022, Spring 2023)
Essential Math for PhD Students (Spring 2024)
Master's courses
Political Economy of Development (Spring 2023, Summer 2023)
Data-Driven Foreign Aid (Summer 2023, Spring 2024)