This study argues that insurance is a much more pervasive motive of government activity than is commonly thought; one associated with great benefits but also great risks. From the start of public social insurance in the late 19th century, social insurance has come a long way to "all-inclusive"...

In the 1970s, taxation of "windfall" profits from primary products and intervention in trade and production has tempted governments into expansionary fiscal policies while stifling the private sector and depressing growth. However, the experience of the recent coffee boom has so far been more...

The paper studies empirically fiscal policies around elections in 25 developing countries as affected by the exchange regime. It is argued that countries with flexible exchange regimes are less likely to engage in expansionary fiscal policies before elections because such policies can result in...

The paper studies empirically the fiscal policy instruments by which governments try to influence election outcomes in 24 developing countries for the 1973-1992 period. The study finds that the main vehicle for expansionary fiscal policies around elections is increasing public expenditure rather...

In this paper, I will explain the role of Art. 115 ToR (Treaty of Rome). Art. 115 serves mainly bureaucratic interests and domestic interests to obtain protection. The decision-making process suggests a mixed system of administered protection and influences from the political market. Protection...

In this study, I will look at the spending role of government and the outcomes of government activity in Europe and Asia. Public spending and performance patterns differ hugely across countries. Asian "tigers" and some advanced countries show low public spending coupled with strong performance...

Die Bekämpfung der Covid-19-Pandemie stellt die Haushalte von Bund, Ländern und Kommunen vor erhebliche Herausforderungen. Angesichts der zu bewältigenden Aufgaben haben der Bund und fast alle Länder für das Jahr 2020 den Ausnahmetatbestand der Schuldenbremse geltend gemacht und ihre...