I am an economic historian specialized in using spatial historical data to answer key economic and historical questions. In my work I use causal inference techniques to understand why civilians get killed in wars, why and how the first states in Africa and the Middle East have formed, and what effects colonial investments in infrastructure and agriculture had on the local economy both in the short and long-run. While my research agenda is far-reaching in scope and geographical coverage, the common theme in my work is the importance of state institutions and of social structures in mitigating externalities and fostering growth.