James A. Robinson is a British-American political scientist and economist, best known for his research on political economy, economic development, and the role of institutions in shaping prosperity. He co-authored the highly influential book “Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty” with Daron Acemoglu. Along with Acemoglu and Simon Johnson, Robinson received the 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics for his work on the relationship between institutions and economic outcomes.