by Leopoldo Fergusson* and Juan F. Vargas** Democracy and conflict: a hard question Civil conflict is one of the major threats to long-run economic development, and causes enormous human suffering. However, we still do not have a clear understanding of the factors that exacerbate or help mitigate the risk of conflict and, in particular, about the role of democracy in … [Read more...] about Don’t make war, make elections
elections
Sunlight disinfects, but beware of the shade!
By Leopoldo Fergusson* and Juan Fernando Vargas** Having a free and active media is recognized as essential for political accountability. By providing information, mass media can help voters make better decisions and hold politicians accountable. Often, journalists also help uncover corruption scandals and undue influence of special interests groups. A famous example … [Read more...] about Sunlight disinfects, but beware of the shade!
Cement is good (for politicians too)
Almost a year ago, we published a blog on the results of an innovative experiment that estimated the impact of paving streets in Mexico on property and land values, credit or use of durable goods. Cement was good. Now the authors (Marco Gonzalez-Navarro and Climent Quintana-Domeque) are circulating a working paper on the impact of street pavement on electoral support. … [Read more...] about Cement is good (for politicians too)