Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) has named Mathias Risse as the Faculty Director of the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy. Risse currently serves as the Lucius N. Littauer Professor of Philosophy and Public Administration at the Kennedy School.

“We are extremely fortunate to have Mathias Risse as Faculty Director of the Carr Center,” said Harvard Kennedy School Dean Douglas Elmendorf. “With his extensive teaching and research on a wide range of issues related to global justice, Mathias has demonstrated dedication and leadership on critical human rights issues of our time.”

Risse’s work and research are focused on the intersection of philosophy and public policy. His research addresses many questions of global justice, including inequality, immigration, climate change, trade, the future of technology, and obligations to future generations. He has also studied questions in ethics and decision theory, as well as 19th-century German philosophy. 

“Mathias is a leader with strong vision, a forward thinking approach, and a deep understanding of what it takes to build and grow a powerful research center. We are looking forward to growing the Carr Center’s core programs and research agenda under his leadership,” said Carr Center’s Advisory Board Chair Vin Ryan. “In addition, Carr Center Executive Director Sushma Raman brings a wide breadth of knowledge and experience, creating a powerful leadership team for the Center going forward.”

Risse’s research has been published in numerous journals. He is the author of the books, On Global Justice and Global Political Philosophy (Princeton University Press, 2012), and he has two forthcoming books—one on the justice of international trade and one on the philosophy and history of justice. Risse teaches ethics classes Harvard Kennedy School’s Master in Public Policy (MPP) core program as well as classes in Harvard College and at the Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics. 

Media Contact: Sarah Peck
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