We apply an optimizing model with relative comparisons (habit formation) in consumption and labour supply to the economics of happiness, specifically the 'Easterlin paradox'. Studying a generalization of the paradox, which we label the 'happiness puzzle', we analyse ways in which income growth...

This paper considers a simple model of asymmetric conflict, between an incumbent, e.g. government or dominant firm, and potential challengers, e.g. guerrillas or entrants. It is not uncommon for challengers to win such conflicts despite their lack of resources. One way they can do this by...

We examine the hold-up problem of price regulation and compare it with the monetary policy credibility problem. For both, reputational solutions are possible provided that the policymaker is sufficiently far-sighted, but the hold-up problem in regulation turns out to be more serious than the...

This paper examines optimal price (i.e. 'sliding scale') regulation of a monopoly when productivity and managerial effort are not observed. We show generally how to operationalize this model of incentive regulation and use actual data from electricity distribution in England and Wales to...

Multinational arms export control has been the subject of discussion in a variety of fora, from the United Nations through to the Wassenaar group of arms producers. It is widely recognised that free trade in arms can have negative externalities on national security and there are benefits from...

In a turnover-training model, where firms fix high wages to lower worker turnover, we find that high risk-aversion in firms speeds up the adjustment process of unemployment to its natural levels when employers face either temporary or permanent shocks. Therefore, risk aversion has a stabilizing...