Clemens Graf von Luckner

Clemens Graf von Luckner is a PhD candidate at Sciences Po Paris, and actively involved in the policy debate on sovereign debt challenges and international finance more broadly. Formerly an economist and advisor in the World Bank’s Chief Economist Office under Carmen Reinhart, Clemens was actively involved during the challenging period when the World Bank and its client countries grappled with the Covid-19 pandemic. Since the end of his tenure at the Chief Economist Office, Clemens has engaged in research at the International Monetary Fund and has served as an advisor to a World Bank initiative aimed at enhancing the Debt Sustainability Analysis, a critical tool used in the Bank’s lending decisions.

Clemens Graf von Luckner’s research revolves around sovereign debt and international finance, seeking to address pertinent questions related to today’s policy challenges. Ranging from questions about the social costs caused by sovereign defaults, to the often overlooked role of cryptocurrencies in the facilitation of capital flight during periods of macro financial distress. His work has garnered recognition, with his publications being covered by leading news outlets globally. Furthermore, he has been invited to present his research at esteemed policy and research conferences across three continents.  Clemens completed his undergraduate studies at Sciences Po Paris, graduating summa cum laude. He also studied at the American University of Beirut and holds graduate degrees in Economics and Public Policy from Sciences Po and International Finance from Columbia University. At Harvard, Clemens will focus his efforts on studying historical sovereign debt crises to extract valuable insights that can enhance our response to the mounting debt distress faced by many emerging markets today.