The government says it is progressing in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, but firms distrust the news, delaying investments and hiring and slowing economic recovery. A firm manager distrusts her own employees and refuses to delegate responsibilities, complicating efforts to invest, innovate and move into new markets. Citizens distrust firms and demand excessive … [Read more...] about When the Lack of Trust Cripples Productivity and Growth
Building Trust for Social Cohesion and Growth in Latin America and the Caribbean
It would always get a laugh from readers of Peanuts. Lucy would hold the football for Charlie Brown to kick. Then she would pull it back at the last minute and send him flying onto his back. The gag, repeated over and over throughout the years, was funny because of Charlie's absurdly trusting behavior. Having been tricked so many times by Lucy, didn't he realize she would trick … [Read more...] about Building Trust for Social Cohesion and Growth in Latin America and the Caribbean
Another Year of Living Dangerously?
The last two years have been a roller coaster in terms of economic performance in Latin America and the Caribbean. As detailed in the 2021 Latin American and Caribbean Macroeconomic Report, the 7% loss in GDP in 2020 was the worst recession in a single year suffered by the region since the struggles for independence in the first half of the 19th century. By contrast, 2021 has … [Read more...] about Another Year of Living Dangerously?
Tracking the Health of Democracies During the Pandemic
Nearly two years into the coronavirus pandemic, electoral democracy continued to do its work at a steady, if sometimes turbulent, pace in the countries of the Latin America and Caribbean region. Amid the pandemic-induced health crisis and economic downturn, the region witnessed about 25 national-level elections or referenda. Public support for democracy in the region remains … [Read more...] about Tracking the Health of Democracies During the Pandemic
Why has COVID-19 Affected Some Cities More Than Others?
As we approach the two-years mark since the onset of COVID-19, countries around the world continue to struggle with the health and economic effects of the pandemic, many facing their third, and even their fourth wave of infections. However, within each country, not all areas have been affected with the same intensity, with some places considerably more vulnerable than … [Read more...] about Why has COVID-19 Affected Some Cities More Than Others?