This paper finds an empirical evidence that al Qaeda behaves as a contest organizer rewarding a prize to candidate extremist groups. Would-be terrorists must then compete with each other to prove their commitment and ability. Hence to maximize their own probability of winning the prize, each...

The phenomenon of match-fixing does constitute a constant element of sport contests. This paper presents a simple formal model in order to explain it. The intuition behind is that an asymmetry in the evaluation of the stake is the key factor leading to match-fixing. In sum, this paper considers...

This paper presents a model of conflict in an economy characterized by two sectors. In a first sector labelled as contested sector two agents struggle in order to appropriate the maximum possible fraction of a contestable output. In a second sector, the uncontested sector, each agent holds...

This paper presents first a theoretical model of conflict between two agents characterized by a two-sector economy. In a contested sector two agents struggle to appropriate the maximum possible fraction of a contestable output. In an uncontested sector, they hold secure property rights over the...

The purpose of this work is the study of the personal characteristics of mothers who requested the child-care benefits of the project called “Fiocchi in Ospedale” in the days immediately following childbirth. The work is based on the results of a survey led at Niguarda Hospital in Milan...

This paper examines the determinants of aggressiveness on the soccer pitch in 463 matches from FIFA (World Cup) and UEFA (Euro Cup) tournaments spanning from 1994 to 2012. We highlight the role of several measures of international rivalry between countries on the players’ aggressive behaviour

This paper empirically investigates the connection between corruption and crime. Such linkage has been often underestimated because corruption has been often analyzed as a white-collar crime. In fact it is not characterized by violence. Recently a theoretical connection has been suggested to...

This paper studies the economic determinants of intra-european student mobility. We constructed a panel of 33 European countries for the period 1998-2009. The dependent variable is the inflow of students (ISCED 5-6) from EU-27, EEA and candidate countries. Results show that: a) The expenditure...

This paper analyzes the relationship between unemployment and rape in a panel of European regions. In particular, this paper is intended to test whether an ‘opportunity perspective’ holds for rape. The ‘opportunity perspective’ interprets the level of unemployment as an indicator of...

The aim of this short article is to provide elements for a general discussion on peace economics and its potential contribution to economics and economic policy. I first present a discussion on deterrence equilibria and consequent allocation of resources. Eventually I expound five economic...