The research projects brings together three scholars—William Milberg, Sheba Tejani and Ayça Zayim—to collaborate on critical questions at the intersection of political economy and authoritarianism.

Pro-Business but not Pro-Market: Business-State Relations in Authoritarian Regimes examines how contemporary authoritarian governments structure relationships with business elites, often promoting economic growth while restricting open competition and democratic accountability.

As a collaborative research initiative, this project seeks to advance debate on how state–business relations shape patterns of inequality, market access, and political power in the global economy.

Meet the Team

Will Milberg

Sheba Tejani

Ayca Zayim