Leonard Alan Rapping (April 16, 1934 – October 1, 1991)[1] was an American economist, who advised several Federal agencies.

That theory helped analyze the 1970s phenomenon of "stagflation", in which prices rose despite economic stagnation and recession.

Early in his career, Rapping held a laissez-faire view of a government's role in the economy but grew to believe capitalism needed regulation.

As a consultant and researcher, Rapping worked for the Rand Corporation, the Federal Bureau of the Budget, and the U.S. departments of Defense; Justice; Labor; and Transportation.

Shortly before his death, Rapping served as Director of the National Academy of Science's Panel on Technology and Employment.