Paul Collier is a British economist known for his work on development economics and the challenges faced by low-income countries. He is a professor at the University of Oxford and has authored several influential books, including "The Bottom Billion," which discusses the struggles of the world's poorest nations. Collier's research often focuses on issues such as conflict, poverty, and the role of natural resources in economic development. He has served as a director of the Research Development Group at the World Bank and has advised various governments and international organizations on policies to promote economic growth and reduce inequality.