Lack of trust between individuals and between individuals and institutions is a chronic problem in Latin America and Caribbean and often linked to inequality. After all, in a region that ranks among the most unequal in the world, it is natural to distrust political elites who seem to coopt government and ensure that policies favor the wealthy over the poor. Moreover, when … [Read more...] about How Perceptions of Inequality Affect Trust in Latin America and the Caribbean
Boosting Trade in a Postpandemic World
Global value chains (GVCs) are essential to modern trade. Given the separation of production into several stages, carried out in different countries, GVCs allow nations to increase productivity through specialization. Yet Latin America and the Caribbean's participation in GVCs remains low (18%) compared to Asia (28%) and Europe (34%). The paradox of the COVID-19 crisis, … [Read more...] about Boosting Trade in a Postpandemic World
How Climate Change Worsens Poverty and Inequality
Over the coming decades, climate change and natural disasters have the potential to undo much of the progress made in lifting households out of poverty over prior decades. By one estimate, climate change could push 100 million people across the globe into poverty within the next 10 years. By the end of the century, the ratio of GDP per capita … [Read more...] about How Climate Change Worsens Poverty and Inequality
Appealing to Social Norms to Combat COVID-19
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began more than a year ago, much has been learned about how infection can be prevented. In particular, the scientific consensus holds that certain human behaviors, like social distancing, the avoidance of indoor gatherings, and the use of face masks, are powerful and effective at helping prevent the virus's spread. Nonetheless, many people continue … [Read more...] about Appealing to Social Norms to Combat COVID-19
Science Meets Policy in the Pandemic Response
The COVID-19 pandemic, perhaps like no other major event in recent memory, has exposed the synergies as well as the tensions between science and policy. At the start of the pandemic, governments immediately turned to scientists for the data, knowledge, and technology necessary to fight the new virus. Science provided increasing … [Read more...] about Science Meets Policy in the Pandemic Response