Ravi Batra | |
---|---|
Born |
Multan, Punjab, British India |
June 27, 1943
Nationality | United States |
Institution | Southern Methodist University |
Field | International economics, Macroeconomics |
School or tradition |
Progressive Utilization school |
Alma mater |
Southern Illinois University (Ph.D.) Delhi School of Economics (M.A.) |
Influences | P.R. Sarkar |
Contributions |
International Trade Theory Macroeconomic theory Labour economics Development theory |
Awards | Ig Nobel prize, 1993 |
Raveendra Nath "Ravi" Batra (born June 27, 1943), is an Indian-American economist, author, and professor at Southern Methodist University. Batra is the author of six bestselling books, two of which appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list, with one (The Great Depression of 1990) reaching #1 in late 1987. His books center on his idea that financial capitalism breeds excessive inequality and political corruption which inevitably succumbs to financial crisis and economic depression. In his works, Batra proposes an equitable distribution system known as Progressive Utilization Theory (PROUT) as a means to not only ensure material welfare but also to secure the ability of all to develop a full personality.
Ravi Batra has appeared on CBS, NBC, CNN, ABC, and CNBC and has been profiled in The New York Times,Time, and Newsweek. Since the financial crisis, Batra has been a frequent guest on radio shows and featured in numerous publications.
Batra obtained his B.A. degree from Punjab University in 1963 and M.A. degree from Delhi School of Economics in 1965. In 1969 he received his Ph.D. in Economics from Southern Illinois University. He became Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of Western Ontario in 1969. He moved to Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas in 1970 to become Assistant Professor of Economics. In 1972, he became Associate Professor and in 1973 he was appointed full Professor of Economics and Head of Department at the age of 30. Prior to 1978 he published advanced theoretical articles and two books, primarily in the field of trade theory.