Albert Hirschman was one of the most influential development economists in the last 50years. As he passed away yesterday, it is important to remember that his years in Colombia helped shape both Colombian development policy and his classic The Strategy of Economic Development. Jeremy Adelman reminds us: … [Read more...] about Albert Hirschman and Colombia
Punishment pays?
For a mom or a dad, every day is filled with threats and cajoling. We whisper, shout, sigh. If you finish your homework, you can watch TV for half an hour. Please, this is the third time I ask you to stop bouncing that ball off the wall. One more and I will take it away for the rest of the week! STOP! Gone forever! Like most moms and dads, I was properly schooled on the … [Read more...] about Punishment pays?
The PhD job market
This week the World Bank’s Development Impact blog (which you should read religiously if you are interested in development effectiveness and stuff) started publishing Job Market papers by aspiring recently graduates. But, where do they actually go? … [Read more...] about The PhD job market
Sabotaging reform?
Discuss: This is just another case of multilateral cognitive dissonance, and the high priority placed by donors on good governance is rhetorical. … [Read more...] about Sabotaging reform?
The tip of the Iceberg
One of the first things I do most mornings is check-out Chris Blattman’s blog. He recently posted a very provocative entry on corruption, criticizing the emphasis that many international agencies place on it, calling it an “Anglo-American fetish.” Westerners care about corruption far out of proportion to its impact on poverty alleviation and economic growth. […] To be … [Read more...] about The tip of the Iceberg