How can we manage Latin America's lackluster economic growth and its problems of inequality? And what are we to make of the lack of trust in institutions and the rise in populism? To answer some of those questions, Andrés Velasco, the Dean of the School of Public Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science, recently spoke at the IDB as part of the Research … [Read more...] about The Collapse of Trust and the Rise of Populism
Politics and Institutions
Can Algorithms Improve the Criminal Justice System?
If justice is blind in a perfect world, it rarely is so in the real one. Research shows that in the United States, minorities like African-Americans, are more likely to be given harsh bail terms and be incarcerated than whites. Similar prejudices probably exist in Latin America. Rigorous research on the issue is lacking, but it is possible that the low level of trust in the … [Read more...] about Can Algorithms Improve the Criminal Justice System?
When Too Much Choice Distorts Electoral Results
As if we couldn't think for ourselves when it comes to pouring hot liquids down our throats, the warnings about hot tea and coffee are ubiquitous. “Caution Handle with Care I’m Hot,” says one cup. "Caution Contents Hot," says another, with variations on the theme repeated in thousands of restaurants and cafes around the world. Businesses, it seems, don't trust us to be careful … [Read more...] about When Too Much Choice Distorts Electoral Results
A Nobel Prize for Development: A Look From Inside the IDB
The awarding of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Economics to Abhijit Banerjee, Esther Duflo and Michael Kremer hits close to home for several reasons. First, in bringing "an experimental approach to alleviating global poverty," as the Nobel committee said in its Oct. 14 announcement of the prize, these distinguished economists have changed the way we do research at the Research … [Read more...] about A Nobel Prize for Development: A Look From Inside the IDB
Gender Inequality in Latin America: The Long Road Ahead
Progress for women in Latin America and the Caribbean over the last few decades has been impressive. Many women now take center stage in the arts, business, music, politics, science and the sports world. Laws equally protect women, and the increase in their labor force participation has been rapid, rising 17 percentage points in the 25 years between 1990-2015 to more than … [Read more...] about Gender Inequality in Latin America: The Long Road Ahead