Robert Klitgaard is the author of sixteen books on corruption, governance, economic development, education, and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in public life. Books are listed from most recent to first published.
Graduate School Meets Generative AI
2024
A practical guide to using generative AI across graduate education.
Co-Intelligence Applied
2024
How AI can accelerate development, governance, and public-sector reform.
Elitism and Meritocracy in Developing Countries
1986 / reissued 2025
Selection policies, elite formation, and development — reissued with new preface.
Christianity for Young Intellectuals
2023
Faith and reason for the modern intellectual — questions, doubts, and convictions.
Policy Analysis for Big Issues
2023
How to analyse complex policy problems — corruption, inequality, and development.
The Culture and Development Manifesto
2021
Why culture matters for economic development — and what to do about it.
Adjusting to Reality
1991 / reissued 2021
Beyond “shock therapy” — a humane approach to economic transition.
Tropical Gangsters II
2013
A return to Equatorial Guinea — development, oil wealth, and what changed.
High-Performance Government
2005
Strategies for improving government performance through better selection and management.
Choosing Elites
1985
How societies select their leaders — and why it matters for equity and excellence.