Recent research links the inequality across countries and regions to colonial institutions. This paper argues that trade shocks could alter the development path of a country or subnational units, in spite of its colonial institutions. This hypothesis is analyzed using state-level data for...

In this paper, we contribute to the discussion of what determines country risk by arguing that an important explanatory factor is the impact that commodities have on the capacity to pay. We use a newly created data base with state-level fiscal and risk premium data for Brazil states between 1891...

In this paper, using new estimates of the size of the UK's capital market, we examine financial development and investor protection laws in Britain c.1900 to test the influential law and finance hypothesis. Our evidence suggests that there was not a close correlation between financial...

In this paper, using new estimates of the size of the UK's capital market, we examine financial development and investor protection laws in Britain c.1900 to test the influential law and finance hypothesis. Our evidence suggests that there was not a close correlation between financial...

The authors argue that FDI by emerging-market firms in advanced economies is motivated not just by "pull" factors, such as the host country's large market or technical talent, but also by "push" factors, such as the home country's weak institutions and reputation. We explain the latter, which we...

Different concerns about FDI by state-owned enterprises require separate policies: national security concerns can be dealt by exclusion of all foreign investors; worries about the opacity of foreign SOEs can be solved via monitoring; and unease about adversarial governments' SOEs can be reduced...

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the crucial role of vaccines in public health management and economic recovery. Its worldwide impact has raised national security concerns and implications on health policies, particularly on Asia Pacific countries' readiness to cope...