Daron Acemoglu is a prominent economist known for his work in political economy and development economics. He was born on September 3, 1967, in Istanbul, Turkey, and later moved to the United States for his education. Acemoglu is a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he has contributed significantly to understanding how institutions affect economic outcomes. Acemoglu is best known for his book, co-authored with James A. Robinson, titled "Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty." In this work, he argues that political and economic institutions shape the success or failure of nations. His research emphasizes the importance of inclusive institutions in fostering economic growth and reducing inequality.