Soccer fans throughout Latin America will be glued to their televisions in June and July, basking in the excitement and pride that come with belonging to a region famed for its brilliance at the World Cup. But it's not just about elite athletes. Since at least the days of the ancient Greeks, societies have understood that sports can make citizens healthier and happier. They … [Read more...] about Sports can transform lives if we do it right
Do Term Limits Benefit Voters?
When allies of President Horacio Cartes tried to force an amendment through Paraguay's congress last year to allow him to run for a second term, rioters took to the streets and set fire to Congress, illustrating in particularly dramatic fashion the sharp divisions around term limits. Cartes eventually decided not to run again, but he may have been the exception. In recent … [Read more...] about Do Term Limits Benefit Voters?
Facing Climate Change’s Threat to Caribbean Tourism
When residents of the Caribbean think of hurricanes, like Irma and Maria that whipped through the region last fall, they think not only of the loss of hundreds of human lives and homes, but of the widespread destruction of tourism assets like hotels, yachts and coral reefs. And they fear that the devastation is just a preview of what is to come. Tourism is the lifeblood of the … [Read more...] about Facing Climate Change’s Threat to Caribbean Tourism
Reducing Volatility from Cross-Border Banking Flows
How can emerging markets protect themselves from abrupt shifts in cross-border banking flows? That has been a fundamental question for economic policymakers in recent years, including those entrusted with banking supervision in regions like Latin America and the Caribbean. In a study made available online in May, Gabriel Cuadra and I examine the issue, focusing on how … [Read more...] about Reducing Volatility from Cross-Border Banking Flows
Failing to Exercise in a Region of World Cup Stars
In June and July, Latin Americans will gather around their televisions to admire the prowess of soccer superstars and cheer their national teams on to victory in the World Cup. The question is what they will do when each game ends. Will they get off the sofa and channel the thrill into starting their own pick-up game, playing some other sport, or even going for a jog? Sadly, … [Read more...] about Failing to Exercise in a Region of World Cup Stars