William L. Ascher

Claremont McKenna College
Professor
William L. Ascher Image

William Ascher is Professor of Government and Economics at Claremont McKenna College (since 2000), where he also serves as Vice President and Dean of the Faculty. His research covers decision-making, forecasting and planning, political psychology, science policy, policymaking processes in developing countries, natural resource and environmental policymaking, and Latin American and Asian political economy. His research on general decision-making methods and processes includes two books on political-economic forecasting: Forecasting: An Appraisal for Policymakers and Planners (1978) and Strategic Planning and Forecasting (1983). His research on political psychology includes the forthcoming Revitalizing Political Psychology. His books on international development include Scheming for the Poor: The Politics of Redistribution in Latin America (1984), Natural Resource Policymaking in Developing Countries (1990), Communities and Sustainable Forestry in Developing Countries (1994), and Why Governments Waste Natural Resources (1999). He co-edited Central American Recovery and Development (1989), The Caspian Sea: A Quest for Environmental Security (2000), and Guide to Sustainable Development and Environmental Policy (2001). Professor Ascher directed Duke University's Center for International Development Research (1985-2000), and Duke's Terry Sanford Institute of Public Policy (1994-97). He was the editor-in-chief of the journal Policy Sciences (1986-1990), and currently serves on the boards of the Society for the Policy Sciences, the Policy Sciences Center, and the Global Fund for Children. He is also a member of the EPA Scientific Advisory Board Committee on Valuing the Protection of Ecosystems and Ecosystem Services, the International Advisory Board of the Shehu Shagari World Institute, and the Academic Advisory Board of the School of Management, Tel Aviv.