About Us
The West East Institute is a global scientific and academic learned society founded in 2012 for the purpose of disseminating the latest academic research on various business, economics, and social sciences-related topics. The scope of our mission has expanded to include many areas of academic knowledge, including geography, education, culture, and more.
Having established the Journal of WEI Business and Economics and the West East Journal of Social Sciences over 6 years ago, The West East Institute is becoming known for publishing quality research for the benefit of the global academic community. We also sponsor several international conferences annually attended by a diverse array of academics and professionals from many nations, cultures, and religions around the world. These conferences are intended to promote excellence in academic research and provide a platform for academics and researchers to share their completed and ongoing research and network with colleagues. It is also a welcoming environment for graduate students to present their work and receive valuable feedback.
Each conference has two broad tracks: Business, Economics, Finance, & Management; and Education, Humanities, & Social Sciences. At our conferences, not only may many nations of the world be seen in each session meeting room, but a diverse array of topics of enquiry may be encountered.
Our publications and conferences represent the community of nations. Diversity of culture, ethnicity, and religion is paired with a common, unifying purpose of excellence in science and philosophical enquiry. We look forward to seeing you soon at one of our several conferences held around the world each year!
Senior Lecturer at the London School of Business and Finance
General Conference Chair
West East Institute
staff@westeastinstitute.com
Dr. Rutherford Johnson is a distinguished leader, diplomat, and educator with extensive expertise in behavioral science, business economics, sustainability, and artificial intelligence applications. His work is not just theoretical; it is a powerful amalgamation of knowledge, compassion, and practicality, aimed at elevating the quality of life for individuals and communities worldwide.
Dr Rutherford embodies the essence of a modern polymath — an integrative thinker with the ability to draw connections between diverse fields such as health and psychology, behavioral economics, artificial intelligence, and cultural frameworks. Instead of seeing disciplines in isolation, he approaches global challenges through an overview approach, identifying underlying patterns and seeking innovative solutions that break through traditional academic boundaries. Through this systems-level approach, he bridges the gap between theory and practice to address complexity with insight, creativity, and purpose.
With over 25 years of international experience, Dr Rutherford has dedicated his career to empowering organizations and individuals through transformational collaborations. His empathetic and data-driven leadership style inspires teams to exceed their goals, fostering an environment where authenticity thrives and diversity is celebrated. As a recognized figure in global diplomacy, he has provided expert policy advice to the United Nations General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, addressing some of the most pressing humanitarian and economic challenges of our time.
As a behavioral scientist with a specialization in behavioral and psychological economics, Dr Rutherford merges theory with application. His academic pursuits are as diverse as he is, encompassing informatics-driven sustainability, the economics of culture and religion, and the intricacies of artificial intelligence. His textbook, Practical Economics in an Ever-Changing World, exemplifies his unique blend of behavioral science, sustainability, and economic theory, providing readers with a profound understanding of today's complex realities.
Dr Rutherford also developed the Choice Wave, a practical, data-based, psychological analysis framework applicable to economics, business, diplomacy, sustainability, and more.
Dr Rutherford's educational achievements, including a PhD from the University of Kentucky and degrees from Harvard University and Georgia Tech, reflect his constant pursuit of knowledge. His professional certifications in areas ranging from AI and machine learning to diversity and inclusion leadership showcase his commitment to continuous learning and adaptation in a rapidly changing world. He completed one year of graduate-level medical studies before pursuing advanced degrees in applied economics and sustainability. This background informs his interdisciplinary approach to behavioral science, public policy, and environmental systems. As an academic, he teaches at different universities around the world, including holding an appointment as a Senior Lecturer at the London School of Business and Finance. Previously he served on the business faculty at the University of Minnesota's Crookston campus in finance, economics, and international business. He previously was a member of the faculty at the SolBridge International School of Business in Daejeon, South Korea, a globally recognized institution with AACSB accreditation, placing it among the top 5% of business schools worldwide. In 2018, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society in London. In 2022, he was honored as a Fellow of the University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment.