They are whipped by hurricanes, lashed by storms and crippled by earthquakes. A report compiled by the United Nations, taking into account exposure to natural events and a society's response, found four nations of the region (Guatemala, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Nicaragua) to be among the world's 15 nations most at risk from natural disasters. Nonetheless, few countries in … [Read more...] about Natural Disaster Insurance: Why Don’t More Countries Have It?
Revisiting Policymaking in a Troubled Region
During much of its recent history, Latin America has alternated between policies that are state-controlled and those that are market-centered. It has swung from the import-substitution model of the post war era to the liberalization of the Washington Consensus of the 1990s with a host of lesser variations in areas ranging from industry to trade. Yet, significant advances … [Read more...] about Revisiting Policymaking in a Troubled Region
Applications Open for the IDB-Columbia Executive Course for Policymakers
Applications are now open for the executive program on macro-financial policymaking in emerging markets, jointly organized by Columbia University and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Policymakers from emerging economies worldwide are welcome to apply to the course that will take place in New York on April 24-28. The IDB will offer tuition waivers to up to 15 … [Read more...] about Applications Open for the IDB-Columbia Executive Course for Policymakers
Never Too Late to Learn: Older Workers and Tennis Stars Can Win
Until last week, 20-somethings in professional tennis might have been forgiven for passing Roger Federer off as a wounded warrior, fading at 35 into legend without so much as a single grand slam title in five years. But Federer's historic three-hour-and-37 minute triumph over Rafael Nadal in the final of the Australian Open Jan. 29—along with the victory of another 35-year-old … [Read more...] about Never Too Late to Learn: Older Workers and Tennis Stars Can Win
Organ Donation: When Changing a Default Can Save Lives
Promotional prices can be irresistible sometimes. Who hasn’t signed up for a magazine subscription or a cable TV provider tempted by the low initial rates, and then continued paying the full price after the promotional period was over simply because canceling the subscription required taking the time to make a phone call or fill out a form. Those marketing techniques so common … [Read more...] about Organ Donation: When Changing a Default Can Save Lives