Political Economy Research Institute

The Political Economy Research Institute (PERI) promotes human and ecological well-being through original research.

Our approach is to translate what we learn into workable policy proposals that are capable of improving life on our planet today and in the future. In the words of the late Professor Robert Heilbroner, we strive "to make a workable science out of morality." Established in 1998, PERI is an independent unit of UMass Amherst with close ties to the Department of Economics. Since its founding, PERI has become a leading source of research and policy initiatives on issues of globalization; unemployment; financial market instability; central bank policy; living wages and decent work; and the economics of peace, development, and the environment.