Research

My research spans development economics, macroeconomics and international economics, with a particular interest in policy-relevant questions in developing and fragile-state contexts.

My earlier academic research examined economic integration, remittances, capital flows, financial development, labour markets and firm-level innovation. My more recent work increasingly concentrates on the economic and institutional challenges facing fragile and conflict-affected states.

Current Research Themes:

• State fragility & state capacity

• Economic resilience and structural transformation

• Central banking & financial sector development

• Development finance 

Policy Research & Publications

• Ali, A., Holguera, H.D.G., Fajardo-Steinhäuser, M. and Srivastav, S., 2026. Innovative Data Solutions for Fragile and Conflict-Affected Settings. IGC Synthesis Paper. 

• Ali, A. and Liaqat, N., 2025. Somalia’s climate fragility trap: Practical pathways for policy action. 

• Ali, A. et al. (2025). Empowering Yemen's fisheries: A strategy for reform through public-private partnership

• Ali, A., Fink, C., and Mahmood, A. (2024). Local currency lending in fragile states: Follow-up on recent proposals and the way forward. IGC Policy Brief GBR-24-177.

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

[1] Ali, A., & Ali, S.I. (2020). Antecedents of the propensity to learn management practices and their impacts on firm outcomes in emerging markets: a Bayesian model averaging approach. International Business Review, 29(4), 101706.

[2] Alpaslan, B., & Ali, A. (2018). The spillover effects of innovative ideas on human capital. Review of Development Economics, 22(1), 333–360.

[3] Ali, A., & Alpaslan, B. (2017). Is there an investment motive behind remittances? Evidence from panel cointegration. Journal of Developing Areas, 51(1), 63–82.

[4] Ali, A., & Imai, K. S. (2015). Crisis, economic integration and growth collapses in African countries. Journal of African Economies, 24(4), 471–501. [Editor’s Choice]

[5] Imai, K. S., Gaiha, R., Ali, A., & Kaicker, N. (2014). Remittances, growth and poverty: New evidence from Asian countries. Journal of Policy Modeling, 36(3), 524–538. 

Also published as an IFAD/UN policy report (Occasional Paper No. 15, 2012).

[6] Ali, A. (2013). Are property rights institutions and financial development complements or substitutes? The case of private investment. Economics Bulletin, 33(2), 1126–1131.

Book Chapters

[7] Ali, A., & Alpaslan, B. (2018). Pro-industry policies, sustainability and industrial growth. In M. Yulet (ed.), Industrial Policy and Sustainable Growth. Springer.

[8] Imai, K. S., Gaiha, R., Thapa, G., & Ali, A. (2012). Supply response to food price changes in Asian countries. In M. Aoki, T. Kuran & G. Roland (eds.), Institutions and Comparative Economic Development. Palgrave Macmillan.

Working Papers & Research in Progress

[7] Ali, A., & Alpaslan, B. (2018). Pro-industry policies, sustainability and industrial growth. In M. Yulet (ed.), Industrial Policy and Sustainable Growth. Springer.

[8] Imai, K. S., Gaiha, R., Thapa, G., & Ali, A. (2012). Supply response to food price changes in Asian countries. In M. Aoki, T. Kuran & G. Roland (eds.), Institutions and Comparative Economic Development. Palgrave Macmillan.

[9] Ali, A., Ali, S., & Choudhury, H. (2026). New evidence on the determinants of actual and potential innovation in developing countries.

[10] Nimoh, N. C., Ali, A., & Syme, T. (2025). Earnings gaps, segmentation and competitiveness in the Ghanaian labour market.

Conference Papers (Selected)

[11] Ali, A., & Walters, B. (2011). On the causes of capital flight from Sub-Saharan Africa. CSAE Oxford University Conference Paper No. 679 (Top-rated contribution).

[12] Ali, A. (2011). Institutional quality, financial development and capital flight. Presented at the Sixteenth World Congress of the International Economic Association, Beijing.