In addition to his political science training, Mr. Desposato has extensive experience in statistical methods. He completed thirteen courses in quantitative methods at UCLA, including 10 at the graduate level. He also passed the UCLA Department of Statistic's qualifying examination in Applied Statistics. Mr. Desposato's research has appeared in The Journal of Politics and Legislative Studies Quarterly . His dissertation explores the causes of fragmented party systems in Latin America.
Recent scholarship emphasizes the role of formal institutions in shaping political systems.
Mr. Desposato develops an informational theory of political parties to show how increasing electoral pressure for public goods creates incentives for politicians to form disciplined parties. He demonstrates that economic models incorporating increasing returns and differential rates of productivity across countries and sectors are important in considering the consequences of integration between high and low wage regions. Evidence is provided to show that some segments of labor and employers may have reason to be concerned about the consequences of EU integration. David's research and teaching interests lie in the area of European Integration, Political Economy and Comparative Politics. East and West.