Most Latin American countries have more than enough infrastructure needs and social service demands to justify raising taxes. Still, on average, tax revenues in Latin America are below their potential. Fiscal woes are not unique to the region. The U.S. is also in need of major infrastructure and social investments and the discussion has focused on cutting rather than raising … [Read more...] about Explaining Changes in Tax Burdens in Latin America
Politics and Institutions
The Effect of Violence on Intangible Outcomes
Sleeping with the Enemy Violence has a striking gender pattern. Men are more likely to be attacked by a stranger, while women are "sleeping with the enemy" experiencing violence mostly from their husbands, intimate partners or close relatives. Latin American countries have been aware of this situation for at least a decade. In 1994, Latin American countries signed … [Read more...] about The Effect of Violence on Intangible Outcomes
Who Decides Social Policy?
Why do bureaucracies get so bloated? Why have efforts to improve education struggled? Why have attempts at administrative reform failed? Such questions confound Latin American nations as they strive to make their social and economic programs more effective. They frustrate donor agencies as they watch their carefully-tailored technical assistance come up short. But they also … [Read more...] about Who Decides Social Policy?
Beyond Remittances: Migrants and the Circulation of Brains
Every time the United States approaches an election cycle, migration policies become the subject of heated—if not evidence-based—debate. This year is no exception, as demonstrated by the exchange between immigration opponents and sons of immigrants on the stage of the Republican presidential debate. Discussion of migration typically gravitates to the subject of remittances: … [Read more...] about Beyond Remittances: Migrants and the Circulation of Brains
Call for Proposals: Private Spending on Skills Development in Latin America and the Caribbean
There is broad consensus that the level and distribution of skills in a country play a key role in determining growth and inequality. Unfortunately, there is clear evidence pointing to deficient and unequal accumulation of skills in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). What do we know about the payoffs of investing in skills development? Do these investments help to improve … [Read more...] about Call for Proposals: Private Spending on Skills Development in Latin America and the Caribbean