Thanks again to balderdash and Helix.
I should add and I probably was remiss in not saying this earlier. My ultimate aim is not to work in academia but as a policy maker. I know it is almost a grave faux pas in these circles to say this and the popular positon is only get a PhD if you wish to be a professor and join the academy. However, I do think there is an incredible benefit to be gained from the thororugh academic preparation acquired during a doctorate program. This preparation , I believe can be of tremendous service to one in a policy making or governmental position.
Ideally, I want to use my doctorate research as the platform to engage in real-world policy changes/experimentation.
Helix, yes I am interested in "regionally-focused policy/governance"; the regional focus being Africa. I was thinking I could achieve this at HKS in conjunction with the Govt Dept and the Economics Dept, it seems you are of the opinion that I cannot do so? If so, why? What other options would you recommend other than UT-Austin?
Yes, I haven't been to Blattman's blog in a few weeks, I see he just posted his move on the 16th of February. With Blattman at Columbia and Macartan Humphrey's at Columbia and Kimuli Kasara (even though she is a relatively new professor), Columbia's Africa offerings seems to be gaining strength.
I was attracted to HKS becuase of the interdisciplinary nature of PEG and the presence of a lot of applied researchers and applied courses at HKS. I am also attracted to it because of Prof Bates (who resides in the Govt department). That notwithstanding, I am open to other choices, hence my initial question as to what are the top ranked scools in African political econmy of development.
Thanks again to all and let's please keep the dialogue continuing.