Joan E. Spero

Joan Edelman Spero is a Senior Research Scholar at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, where she researches and writes about international philanthropy and its role in the global system. From 2009 to 2010, Ms. Spero was a Visiting Scholar at the Foundation Center, where she conducted research on the role of American private foundations in U.S. foreign policy and in the global system. Known as an international political economist, her book The Politics of International Economic Relations first published in 1977 is currently in its 7th edition and has been translated into numerous languages. She is also the author of The Failure of the Franklin National Bank originally published in 1980 and reprinted in 1999, as well as New World, New Deal: A Democratic Approach to Globalization, The Global Role of U.S. Foundations and Charity and Philanthropy in Russia, China, India, and Brazil. From 1997 to 2008, Ms. Spero served as President of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. From 1993 to 1997, Ms. Spero served in the U.S. Department of State as Undersecretary for Economic, Business, and Agricultural Affairs.