Omar Wasow

I am pursuing a doctorate in African American studies and political science at Harvard. I'm also working towards an M.A. in Statistics. Broadly, I'm interested in how race, politics and property rights can interact to support or impede social and economic progress. More narrowly, I'm interested in vice and other forms of tolerated lawlessness, such as prostitution in red light districts, and how they affect state formation. For example, there is some evidence that the patronage networks that developed in New York City around Tammany Hall began with the kickbacks given to cops by brothel owners.

Outside of academics, I dig running, giant salads, and charter schools (though, not all at once). Prior to school, I worked as an internet entrepreneur and tech reporter.

I'm excited to meet ya'll and explore lovely Sante Fe.