Hilton Root is an American political economist, author, academic, and expert in public policy and international development. He has published extensively on topics related to the role of institutions, governance structures, and political factors in shaping economic and policy outcomes. Root is currently a professor of public policy at George Mason University, Schar School of Policy, and Government, and a visiting adjunct professor at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing. He has authored hundreds of publications and ten books. Articles synthesizing his policy research appear regularly in such media outlets as The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, The National Interest, US News & World Report, Real Clear World, CapX, The International Economy Magazine, and The Diplomat. His forthcoming book, Moral Foundations of Global Order addresses cultural evolution, social governance, and state formation in China and the West, summing up 40 years of prize-winning research that has appeared primarily in scholarly venues.