Steven Plaut — American‑Israeli Economist, Academic and Writer

Academic career and teaching posts

Plaat held positions at several institutions over the course of his career, teaching subjects related to business administration, economics and management. His appointments and visiting posts included a mix of North American and European universities as well as Israeli institutions. Notable affiliations were:

• University of Haifa (associate professor, Business Administration)
• Oberlin College
• University of California, Berkeley
• University of California, Irvine
• Tel Aviv University
• Central European University, University of Nantes and Athens Laboratory for Business Administration (visiting or teaching roles)

Research, writing and public positions

Plaut worked at the intersection of economics and public policy, and he wrote both scholarly and popular pieces. He was known for taking forthright positions on contentious issues; in particular he was an outspoken critic of aspects of the Israeli–Arab peace process and of unilateral withdrawal policies. His commentary ranged from analyses of economic reform and business topics to opinion essays addressing political strategy and national security.

Publications and editorial roles

In addition to teaching and research, Plaut was active as a writer and editor. He contributed articles and op-eds to a variety of outlets and served on editorial bodies, which placed him in the wider conversation on Middle East affairs and policy analysis. His involvement with editorial work reflected a dual identity as both an academic and a public intellectual.

Reception and notable facts

Colleagues and readers regarded Plaut as a direct and often polarizing voice: some praised his clarity and willingness to confront controversial topics, while others disputed his conclusions. His career combined scholarly roles with sustained public engagement, a pattern common to academics who move between university teaching and media commentary.

Death and legacy

Steven Plaut died in Haifa on January 17, 2017. Reports note his passing in the city where he taught and lived (Haifa), and cite complications from kidney cancer as the cause of death (kidney cancer). His writings and teaching left a legacy as a commentator who sought to apply economic viewpoints to political debates and to influence public discussion in Israel and abroad.

For more on his academic profile and writings, see institutional pages and published pieces linked through university sites and editorial outlets such as the journal where he contributed editorially.