Danny Klinenberg

I received my Ph.D. in economics in August 2023 from the University of California - Santa Barbara and am was postdoctoral researcher at the University of California – San Diego. I am an applied microeconomist/econometrician who applies and develops causal inference tools to study conflict, specifically the financial incentives of extremism.

Current research includes studying the demand for membership in violent extremist organizations using leaked membership data on the Oath Keepers, America’s largest paramilitary organization and a key participant in the January 6th insurrection.  Other active projects include (1) developing the econometric framework for the theory of deterrence and (2) estimating how far-right content creators vary their language across platforms when faced with different terms and conditions.

I have published in the Journal of Business and Economic Statistics (Solo), Journal of Conflict Resolution (Solo), and Applied Economics (with Richard Startz). I have also developed a coding course used at UCSB as well as an accompanying book for guided exercises (with Michael Topper and Richard Startz).