James A. Robinson is a prominent political scientist and economist known for his research on the relationship between political and economic institutions. He has contributed significantly to the understanding of how these institutions affect development and governance in various countries. Robinson is a professor at Harvard University and has co-authored influential works, including the book Why Nations Fail, which explores the role of inclusive versus extractive institutions in shaping economic outcomes. His work emphasizes the importance of political power and its impact on economic performance and social progress.