Stiglitz is known for his work on information asymmetry, market failures, and development economics. He is a critic of the Washington Consensus, a set of economic policies that were promoted by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in the 1980s and 1990s. Stiglitz argues that the Washington Consensus has failed to deliver on its promises of economic growth and poverty reduction.

Stiglitz is a prolific writer and has published numerous books and articles on economics. He is also a frequent commentator on economic issues in the media. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Trilateral Commission.

Stiglitz is a controversial figure in the field of economics. He has been criticized by some economists for his heterodox views. However, he is also widely respected by his peers and is considered one of the most influential economists of his generation.