A growing literature documents the existence of strategic political reactions to public expenditure in one jurisdiction on either neighboring or reference jurisdictions. The latter might give raise to downward expenditure spiral, or "race to the bottom". However, in ascertaining the empirical...

In the debate on the benefits of international financial integration, recent literature has emphasized the development of domestic markets as a precondition. This paper offers an alternative view. Lack of competition in domestic financial systems may prevent countries from reaping the benefits...

In the debate on the benefits and costs of international financial integration recent literature has emphasized thresholds in the development of domestic markets as preconditions to benefitting from international integration. This paper offers an alternative view - that of development of...