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USAID's Chief Economist Resigns Amid Layoffs and Concerns

2/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Dean Karlan has stepped down as chief economist of USAID after two tumultuous years, disheartened by the agency's shift under new leadership. Despite his commitment to enhancing program effectiveness through data-driven methods, he encountered significant layoffs and disengagement. Karlan fears these developments could jeopardize future foreign aid and exacerbate global poverty.

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Story summary

Dean Karlan has stepped down as chief economist of USAID after two tumultuous years, disheartened by the agency's shift under new leadership. Despite his commitment to enhancing program effectiveness through data-driven methods, he encountered significant layoffs and disengagement. Karlan fears these developments could jeopardize future foreign aid and exacerbate global poverty.