Covid-19 is still spreading rapidly on a global level, with more than 11.4 million cases and 407,000 deaths in Latin America and the Caribbean alone as of early November. This is happening despite the imposition of strict mobility restrictions and other constraints, like mask wearing and school closings. Indeed, in Argentina, with some of the most rigorous restrictions as … [Read more...] about Communicating Better in the Covid-19 Era
Carlos Scartascini
Carlos Scartascini is Leader of the IDB Behavioral Economics Group and Principal Technical Leader at the Research Department of the Inter-American Development Bank. He is currently focused on expanding the use of behavioral economics in Latin America and the Caribbean. In addition to Behavioral Economics, his areas of expertise include Political Economy, and Public Finance. He has published eight books and more than 45 articles in edited volumes and specialized journals. He is Associate Editor of the academic journal Economía, and Head and founding member of LACEA's BRAIN (Behavioral Insights Network). A native of Argentina, Dr. Scartascini holds a Ph.D. and a M.A. in Economics from George Mason University.
Using Social Network Analysis to Identify Decision-Makers and Improve Public Policy
Latin America has achieved significant social progress in recent decades. From the 1990s through 2019, poverty fell by almost 50 percent: mortality in children under five was cut by more than half; and primary school education became nearly universal. But while significant investment was made to accomplish those outcomes, much more could have been achieved if it wasn’t for … [Read more...] about Using Social Network Analysis to Identify Decision-Makers and Improve Public Policy
How to Reduce Imprisonment in Latin America
With about 1.4 million people—including pre-trial detainees and convicts—held in penal institutions, Latin America is suffering from a dramatic incarceration crisis. Over the last ten years, the prison population in the region has grown by 76%, and today 241 people for every 100,000 in habitants are in detention, about twice the level of the European Union. Overcrowding and … [Read more...] about How to Reduce Imprisonment in Latin America
The Elusive Quest for Growth: The Role of Trust
As Latin America and the Caribbean confronts one of the most severe economic downturns in its history, policymakers are looking ahead to what they must do in terms of fiscal and monetary policies to restore growth once the Covid-19 crisis passes. But one element that desperately needs more attention is the deep and chronic lack of trust in the region between citizens and … [Read more...] about The Elusive Quest for Growth: The Role of Trust
Behavioral Economics and the Urgent Need to Use Masks When Lockdowns Are Lifted
The health news from Latin America is not good. The region has become the global epicenter of the Covid-19 epidemic, with nearly 4 million infections and 204,000 deaths as of mid-June. Moreover, the numbers are rising rapidly in several countries, including Brazil, which lags only the United States in reported cases, Peru with the seventh highest number of cases globally, … [Read more...] about Behavioral Economics and the Urgent Need to Use Masks When Lockdowns Are Lifted