About the James M. Buchanan Center

The Center is named in honor of Nobel prize-winning economist and GMU emeritus professor James M. Buchanan, whose work has enriched our understanding of the interrelationship between politics, law, and the economy. The Center builds on that legacy with a commitment to rigorous, interdisciplinary scholarship.

Under the direction of Holbert L. Harris University Professor of Economics and General Director Tyler Cowen, the Center is at the core of a vibrant community of students and scholars. This community works together to build and apply an understanding of how individuals cooperate through the market and political processes. Our affiliations with other innovative organizations at GMU enhance this community.

The James Buchanan Center bridges academic theory and real world practice through efforts in the following areas:

  • Research: Center scholars conduct academic research to enhance our knowledge of how people live and work together. Based on that research, they work with decision-makers to develop practical solutions to real-world problems.

  • Education: to foster scholarly inquiry into the nature of the market process, the Center nurtures and supports graduate students who will become tomorrow's idea leaders.