Our vision for the Research Program on Political Order is to illuminate the complexities and solutions surrounding governance in a world marked by deep pluralism and diverse political landscapes. Our initiatives, such as the Governing Deep Differences project, explore how communities with divergent beliefs and values can coexist peacefully and productively. By investigating institutional arrangements that foster tolerance and cooperation, we aim to identify pathways toward shared prosperity and unity grounded in compassion for humanity. Our work with the Afghanistan Project seeks to maintain scholarly communities and inform policy amidst ongoing challenges, emphasizing the importance of continued academic engagement in shaping effective governance strategies.
We also delve into the persistence of traditional authority in the modern world, examining its roles and impacts through comparative analyses. Our projects, including Comparative Public Administration and Ukraine Reconstruction, broaden the scope of public administration studies to include diverse global contexts and post-conflict recovery processes. Through research, workshops, and engaged scholarship, we aim to inform policy, convene scholars and practitioners, and support communities in overcoming governance challenges. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting dialogue across cultural and ideological divides, our vision is to contribute to a more just, resilient, and compassionate global political order.
Freedoms Delayed: Political Legacies of Islamic Law in the Middle East, July 8, 2024
Dr. Timur Kuran explores the lasting political effects of the Middle East's lengthy exposure to Islamic law.
Agora Fellowships Available to Advanced PhD Students at Pitt, March 6, 2024
We're seeking advanced doctoral students for PhD research fellowships for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Modus Vivendi, Polycentrism, and Institutional Diversity: Reading Workshop, March 6, 2024
The Center for Governance and Markets invited scholars to discuss readings that serve as the theoretical and empirical foundations of the project, Governing Deep Differences.


















