Economic Policy


Latest additions to the site

How Do Electoral Systems Affect Fiscal Policy?

CESifo

This 50-page working paper analyzes how the adoption of proportional representation affects fiscal policy. It shows that proportional systems shift spending toward broad goods (e.g. education and welfare benefits) but decrease spending on targetable goods

Governance & Politics , Economic Policy Posted: 2010-03-19

The 'Economic' Implications of the Euro

AJISS

A 4-page Japanese commentary on the "economic" implications of the Euro

Economic Policy , European Union Posted: 2010-03-17

Liquidity and Sovereignty: The Eurozone Needs a Lender of Last Resort

SWP

A 4-page German commentary arguing that the eurozone needs a lender of last resort that supports member countries in the event of liquidity shortages

European Union , Economic Policy Posted: 2010-03-16

A Greek Endgame?

CEPSA

This 2-page commentary argues that the Greek debt crisis has exposed a structural problem of the eurozone as a whole created by the fact that the monetary union is not embedded in a political union

European Union , Economic Policy Posted: 2010-03-11

Figuring Out the Doha Round

Vox-EU.org

An op-ed arguing that, far from being time to abandon the Doha Round, sustaining political support for the rules-based multilateral trade system is more important than ever

Globalisation & International Trade , Economic Policy Posted: 2010-03-04

Proposals for Ukraine: 2010—Time For Reforms

Independent International Experts Commission

This 80-page paper proposes a comprehensive economic reform programme for the first year of the new presidency in Ukraine

Economic Policy , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-03-01

The 2008 Financial Crisis and Taxation Policy

CESifo

This 46-page working paper discusses the interactions between tax policy and the financial crisis. In particular, it reviews the existing evidence on the links between taxes and many characteristics of the crisis. Finally, it examines some possible future tax options to prevent such crises

Economic Policy , Taxation Posted: 2010-02-26

Lisbon: A Second Shot

Bertelsmann Stiftung

A 7-page German brief devoted to the EU 2020 strategy, due to replace the Lisbon Strategy

Economic Policy , European Union Posted: 2010-02-25

The New Commission's Economic Philosophy

CER

An 8-page policy brief on the economic philosophy of the new EU Commission

European Union , Economic Policy Posted: 2010-02-25

The Budget Deficit Scare Story and the Great Recession

CEPR

A 17-page US paper on the demerits of budget deficit reduction

Economic Policy Posted: 2010-02-25

Confronting Asset Bubbles, Too Big to Fail, and Beggar-thy-Neighbor Exchange Rate Policies

Peterson Institute

This 8-page US policy brief argues that the global financial crisis presents an opportunity—for the first time in many years—for wholesale reform of the international financial and monetary system

Economic Policy , Globalisation & International Trade Posted: 2010-02-24

The International Financial Crisis: Eight Lessons for and from Latin America

CGDev

This 27-page US working paper presents lessons derived from the international financial crisis, not only for the Latin American region itself, but also for other developing countries that might seek economic growth in the context of greater integration to the international capital markets

Economic Policy , Globalisation & International Trade Posted: 2010-02-22

21 Hours

NEF

This 40-page UK report argues that a range of social, environmental and economic pressures could see people adopting a much shorter working week

Employment, Industrial Relations & Training , Economic Policy Posted: 2010-02-22

Medvedev's Take on the Power Vertical: Are the Rules of the Game Changing in Russia?

FIIA

An 8-page Finnish briefing paper examining the nature and weaknesses of Governance in Russia and suggesting how the West might encourage reform

Governance & Politics , Economic Policy Posted: 2010-02-08

The Great Regression? Financial Crisis in an Age of Global Interdependence

FIIA

This 63-page Finnish report provides a comprehensive overview of the dynamics of the global financial crisis and the challenges it poses for governance across the board

Economic Policy , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-02-08

Shock Transmission Mechanism of the Economic Crisis in East Asia

IDE

This 35-page Japanese discussion paper investigates the impacts of the 2008 economic crisis on industries in East Asia

Economic Policy , Regional Posted: 2010-02-08

Is a Sovereign Debt Crisis Looming?

"International Economic Bulletin"

This US article argues that sustaining growth—not withdrawing stimulus—should remain most countries’ top priority if they are to break the debt spiral

Economic Policy Posted: 2010-02-06

The High Cost of Low Educational Performance: The Long-Run Economic Impact of Improving PISA Outcomes

OECD

A 55-page international study showing that even modest and achievable gains in student learning yield large increases in gross domestic product (GDP) over the long run

Education , Economic Policy Posted: 2010-01-29

China’s Economic Conditions

CRS

A 36-page US background report on China's economy and economic policies

Economic Policy , Regional Posted: 2010-01-22

Automatic Stabilizers and Economic Crisis: US vs. Europe

CESifo

This 39-page working paper analyzes the effectiveness of the tax and transfer systems in the European Union and the US to act as an automatic stabilizer in the current economic crisis

Economic Policy , European Union Posted: 2010-01-22

The International Monetary System and Global Imbalances

Peterson Institute

A 10-page US paper considering the desirability of reforming the international monetary system

Globalisation & International Trade , Economic Policy Posted: 2010-01-20

Which Common Policy for Agriculture and Rural Areas beyond 2013?

Notre Europe, SIEPS

The 96-page report of a conference held to review the need for a reform of the CAP

European Union , Economic Policy Posted: 2010-01-19

Transition Report 2009: Transition in crisis?

EBRD

The 2-page executive summary of a report that focuses on the challenges posed by the global financial crisis for the EU's transition region, both for the countries directly, and for the economic strategies they have followed since the collapse of communism.

European Union , Economic Policy Posted: 2010-01-11

Towards A Socially Responsible and Democratic Global Economic System:

FES

This 9-page US briefing paper proposes principles for strengthening reform efforts to increase transparency and accountability in the governance of financial institutions in order to move towards a more socially responsible and democratic global economic system

Economic Policy , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-01-11

The World Needs Further Monetary Ease, Not an Early Exit

Peterson Institute

An 18-page US policy brief making the case for further monetary easing

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-12-18

Finding the Right Tool for Dealing with Asset Price Booms

Peterson Institute

A 26-page speech discussing how asset price booms might be addressed in the future

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-12-18

Other Worlds are Possible: Human Progress in an Age of Climate Change

NEF

This 68-page report calls for new economic approaches to international development which are more in tune with the needs of people and the planet

Climate Change & Environment , Economic Policy Posted: 2009-12-15

Innovation and the World Economy

FPRI

A US essay on the importance of entrepreneurship to economic growth

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-12-08

Do Better Schools Lead to More Growth? Cognitive Skills, Economic Outcomes, and Causation

IZA

This 64-page discussion paper investigates whether a causal interpretation of the robust association between cognitive skills and economic growth is appropriate and whether cross-country evidence supports a case for the economic benefits of effective school policy

Education , Economic Policy Posted: 2009-12-02

Controlling Spending and Government Deficits: Lessons from History and International Experience

Policy Exchange

This report draws from twelve international and historical case studies in order to examine how Britain might best rid itself of the current overwhelming defici

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-12-01

China's Policy Responses to the Global Financial Crisis

Productivity Commission - Australia

A 20-page Australian lecture explaining China's policy responses to the global financial crisis

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-11-25

Lessons from the Global Economic and Financial Crisis

Peterson Institute

A 10-page US speech analyzing the major issues in financial regulatory reform currently faced by the global community

Economic Policy , Globalisation & International Trade Posted: 2009-11-19

Ukraine’s Economy Hostage to Political One-upmanship

ICPS

A 2-page commentary on how Ukrain's economy is affected by internal politics

Economic Policy , Governance & Politics Posted: 2009-11-18

Beyond ‘Light Touch’ Regulation of Finance

DIIS

This 4-page Danish policy brief outlines a comprehensive approach to financial regulation which may ensure that financial crises in the future will be significantly fewer and milder than they have been in the past two decades

Economic Policy , Globalisation & International Trade Posted: 2009-11-17

A Blueprint for Global Leadership in the 21st Century

Peterson Institute

A US speech highlighting the necessity of providing a foundation for a viable "blueprint for global leadership in the 21st century."

Economic Policy , Governance & Politics Posted: 2009-11-11

The Impact of the Financial Crisis on Emerging Asia

Peterson Institute

This 47-page US working paper analyzes how the global financial crisis has impacted emerging Asia and identifies key characteristics that have made these economies more or less vulnerable to a transmission of crises from the advanced economies

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-11-11

Canada’s Difficult Experience in Reducing Inflation: Cautionary Lessons

C.D. Howe Institute

This 20-page Canadian study provides an insider’s perspective on the fight against soaring inflation in the 1970s through to the successful introduction of inflation targeting in the early 1990s, and draws general lessons from the historical record

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-11-06

Accelerating Growth and Job Creation in South Asia

World Bank

This 491-page report brings insight to the setting of priorities and strategies to accomplish the objective of sustained growth and poverty reduction in South Asia

Economic Policy , Employment, Industrial Relations & Training Posted: 2009-11-04

How Strong is Russia's Economic Foundation?

CER

This 7-page policy brief examines the strength of the Russian economy

Economic Policy , Governance & Politics Posted: 2009-11-03

It Isn’t Working: Time for More Radical Policies

Levy Economics Institute

A 21-page critical US policy brief on the Obama administration's policies to jump-start the economy

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-10-30

Latin America: Time for Reform, Not for Complacency

Brookings

A US commentary on the effectiveness of Latin American governments' response to tthe global financial crisis

Economic Policy , Regional Posted: 2009-10-27

Managing Systemic Risks

Pew Economic Policy Group

This 13-page US briefing paper begins with a working definition of systemic risk as "a systemic risk is a risk that an event will trigger a loss of confidence in a substantial portion of the financial system that is serious enough to have adverse consequences for the real economy." It focuses on an operational definition of systemic risk management as a combination of six specific things that governments can do

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-10-18

IMF-Supported Macroeconomic Policies and the World Recession: A Look at Forty-One Borrowing Countries

CEPR

This 97-page US discussion paper outlining how 31 of 41 countries with current IMF agreements have been subjected to pro-cyclical macroeconomic policies that, during the current global recession, would be expected to have exacerbated economic slowdowns

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-10-13

Pittsburgh: A Fresh Start or Cosmetic Tinkering?

SWP

This 7-page German commentary argues that the chances of a complete overhaul of the international financial markets at Pittsburgh are slim

Globalisation & International Trade , Economic Policy Posted: 2009-10-01

Credit Constraints and Consumer Spending

Bank of Canada

This 28-page Canadian working paper examines the relationship between aggregate consumer spending and credit availability in the United States

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-09-28

Quantifying the Effects on Lending of Increased Capital Requirements

Pew Task Force on Financial Reform

This 23-page US report shows that higher bank capital requirements would likely have much less effect on lending than many analysts have predicted

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-09-23

Deficit Reduction: Lessons From Around the World

Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget

An 8-page US paper arguing in favour of deficit reduction strategies (also known as fiscal consolidation strategies) to improve countries' fiscal positions

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-09-22

Global Economic Prospects as of September 2009: Onward to Global Recovery

Peterson Institute

A 25-page US paper on global economic prospects

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-09-22

What Does the International Experience Tell Us about Regulatory Consolidation?

Pew Financial Reform Project

This 28-page US briefing paper examines the structure of financial regulation in several major economies, and prior attempts by those countries to reform their financial regulatory structures, to see what lessons they may hold for the United States

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-09-22

After the GFC: Australia and the Chimerica challenge

ASPI

A 48-page Australian strategy report concluding that Australia will have to come to grips with the prospect of substantial Chinese foreign investment, and that it will come out of the GFC in much better shape than most advanced economies, but the China-US balancing act on which Australia's security and prosperity depends will be both more important and harder to perform

Foreign Policy , Economic Policy Posted: 2009-09-22

Report on G20 Tade and Investment Measures

OECD et al.

A 60-page joint report on global trade and investment measures

Globalisation & International Trade , Economic Policy Posted: 2009-09-21

Government and Trade Union Responses to the Economic Crisis in the Financial Sector

ETUI

This 49-page European working paper provides an overview of government and trade union responses to the economic crisis in the financial sector

Employment, Industrial Relations & Training , Economic Policy Posted: 2009-09-17

How to Reform the International Financial System?

FES

This 6-page briefing paper gives a Chinese perspective on how to reform the international financial system in order to avoid similar future crises

Economic Policy , Globalisation & International Trade Posted: 2009-09-17

The G20 and the Future of Market Regulation

FRIDE

This 5-page Spanish policy brief examines how the global financial crisis has politicised the governance of finance

Economic Policy , Globalisation & International Trade Posted: 2009-09-16

A False Sense of Security: Europe and the Politics of Financial Crisis

FRIDE

This Spanish policy brief looks at the politico-strategic impact of the financial cisis from a European standpoint

Economic Policy , European Union Posted: 2009-09-15

The Global Economic Crisis: Impact on Sub-Saharan Africa and Global Policy Responses

CRS

This 30-page US report examines how the global economic crisis is impacting Sub-Saharan African states and how global policy responses may ameliorate the situation

International Development , Economic Policy Posted: 2009-09-11

The IMF's Stand-by Arrangements and the Economic Downturn in Eastern Europe: The Cases of Hungary, Latvia, and Ukraine

CEPR

This 32-page US report examines IMF agreements with three countries, Hungary, Latvia, and Ukraine, and finds that in all three countries there were mistakes in economic policy that increased their vulnerability to the external shocks

Economic Policy , European Union Posted: 2009-09-10

The United States–China Economic Relationship and the Strategic and Economic Dialogue

Peterson Institute

A US House testimony on how the initial Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED), building on other United States–China contacts and its own predecessor forums, has made an important contribution toward progress on two international economic issues: the current economic crisis and global warming

Foreign Policy , Economic Policy Posted: 2009-09-10

The Future of the Dollar

Peterson Instiute

A 6-page US policy brief assesses whether there are feasible alternatives to the US dollar as a widely used international currency

Economic Policy , Globalisation & International Trade Posted: 2009-09-10

Look Before You Leap: A Skeptical View of Proposals to Meld Macro- and Microprudential Regulation.

C.D. Howe Institute

A 24-page Canadian study that cautions against current G-20 proposals to expand regulation to include system-wide macroeconomic risks

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-09-09

The High Cost of Cash for Clunkers

NCPA

A 2-page US analysis of the Car Allowance Rebate System brought in to stimulate car sales in the US

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-09-08

Economic Crisis and Global Supply Chains

CEPII

This 38-page French working paper examines the sharp fall in world trade associated with the economic crisis during the last quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009

Globalisation & International Trade , Economic Policy Posted: 2009-09-08

What is the Economic Outlook for OECD Countries? An Interim Assessment

OECD

A 24-page interim assessment of the economic outlook for OECD countries

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-09-08

Economic Contractions in the United States: A Failure of Government

IEA

A 144-page UK publication which argues that President Obama is repeating the mistakes of the Great Depression

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-09-08

Agglomeration versus Fragmentation: A Comparison of East Asia and Europe

IDE

This 27-page Japanese discussion paper conducts an empirical clarification of the difference in spatial relationships among countries within a region for the electric machinery industry by use of spatial econometric analysis

Economic Policy , Regional Posted: 2009-09-03

Financial and Monetary Issues as the Crisis Unfolds

Levy Economics Institute

A 16-page US brief presenting the views of a group of economists on financial and monetary issues resulting from the global crisis

Economic Policy , Globalisation & International Trade Posted: 2009-09-03

Fiscal Stabilisation Plans and the Outlook for the World Economy

CEPS

This 53-page paper evaluates the adequacy of the measures implemented in the euro area and the US in response to the financial crisis and finds that while these measures will prove useful in limiting the scale and duration of the downturn, they will not be sufficient by themselves to prevent a lengthy recession followed by a tepid recovery

Economic Policy , Globalisation & International Trade Posted: 2009-08-29

The Recovery Package in Action

EPI

A 12-page US analysis of how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is creating jobs, restoring confidence and easing the severity of the recession

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-08-29

China: Bogus Boom?

AEI

This 4-page US essay explains how China's remarkable reported economic performance is possible in the midst of a global recession

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-08-21

China's Emergence from Economic Crisis

Hoover Instiution

This 10-page US essay describes how China has engineered the beginning of a recovery from the initial acute downturn it experienced during the fourth quarter of 2008

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-08-12

China: Bogus Boom?

AEI

This 4-page US essay attempts to assess the reality behind China's economic statistics

Economic Policy , Governance & Politics Posted: 2009-08-02

The Global Financial Crisis and Development Strategy for Emerging-Market Economies

Peterson Institute

A 9-page speech offering a reexamination not only of industrial countries’ financial systems but also of growth strategies in developing countries

Globalisation & International Trade , Economic Policy Posted: 2009-07-30

How Will Latin America Fare after the Current Crisis?

CGD

This 6-page speech analyzes the effect of the global financial crisis on Latin America

International Development , Economic Policy Posted: 2009-07-29

Rebalancing Growth in Asia

IZA

This 59-page discussion paper provides an empirical characterization of the composition of GDP levels and growth rates for the key emerging markets and other developing economies in Asia

Economic Policy , Regional Posted: 2009-07-26

China: Bogus Boom?

AEI

This 4-page US essay examines the risks involved in China's aggressive attempts to maintain an 8 percent growth rate

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-07-24

The Global Financial Crisis: Analysis and Policy Implications

CRS

A 127-page US overview of the global financial crisis

Economic Policy , Globalisation & International Trade Posted: 2009-07-24

Recovery: The Global Financial Crisis and Middle-Income Countries

CEIP

A 40-page US report advocating the introduction of fundamental labour markets reforms to create high-paying jobs as the key to restarting economic growth in middle-income countries

Economic Policy , International Development Posted: 2009-07-16

Mind the Basel Gap

CEPS

This 2-page commentary calls for fundamental reform of the capital adequacy system

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-07-16

Global Financial Surveillance and the Quest for Financial Stability

Peterson Institute

This speech highlights four messages from the global financial crisis for improving global financial surveillance and for promoting financial stability

Economic Policy , Globalisation & International Trade Posted: 2009-07-08

Snapshot of the Economic Crisis

CEIP

This 3-page US article looks at the effect of the global recession on Middle Eastern economies

Economic Policy , Regional Posted: 2009-07-08

The Transatlantic Banking Crisis: Lessons and EU Reforms

IZA

The key dynamics of the transatlantic banking crisis are analyzed in this 58-page policy paper – with emphasis on the fact that the banking disaster of 2007/08 was not really a surprise –, and the five key requirements for restoring stability and efficiency in the EU/OECD banking sector are highlighted

Economic Policy , Globalisation & International Trade Posted: 2009-07-05

The Global Financial Crisis: Lessons Learned and Challenges for Developing Countries

Peterson Institute

A US speech offering a perspective on the causes of the global financial crisis and how it differs from previous global financial crises.The speaker then proposes some key relevant lessons

Economic Policy , International Development Posted: 2009-06-24

Global Development Finance 2009: Charting a Global Recovery

World Bank

A 167-page report examining global growth prospects

Globalisation & International Trade , Economic Policy Posted: 2009-06-22

Quarterly Update: The Recession in Historical Context

CFR

A US comparison of the current rcession in the US with earlier ones

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-06-21

From a Social to a Sustainable Market Economy: A new paradigm for the 21st Century

SEF

A 12-page German policy paper considering how the integration of a social market economy and sustainable development can be achieved

Economic Policy , Climate Change & Environment Posted: 2009-06-18

Some Simple Observations on the Reform of the International Monetary System

Levy Economics Institute

A 5-page US policy note arguing that the reform of the global monetary system depends on the operation of the adjustment mechanism for dealing with global imbalances

Economic Policy , Globalisation & International Trade Posted: 2009-06-17

The Financial Crisis: Collateral Damage and Responses

SWP

This 50-page German research report examines different aspects of collateral damage following the global financial crisis and highlights the importance of international cooperation to respond to them

Economic Policy , Globalisation & International Trade Posted: 2009-06-16

A Stealthy Stimulus: How Boosting the Minimum Wage is Helping to Stimulate the Economy

EPI

This 4-page US issue brief argues that a three-step increase in the minimum wage is adding billions of dollars to consumer spending and stimulating the economy

Economic Policy , Employment, Industrial Relations & Training Posted: 2009-06-15

Global Imbalances and the Accumulation of Risk

CEPS

This 4-page policy brief examines the causes of the current global financial crisis

Globalisation & International Trade , Economic Policy Posted: 2009-06-14

Reflections on Economic Policy in Time of Crisis

CFR

Transcript of a US speech on the US Administration\'s response to the global economic crisis

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-06-14

The G20 Meetings: No Common Framework, No Consensus

CEIP

This 12-page US policy brief argues that until the major powers can agree on why the crisis started they will not be able to effectively coordinate policies to promote recovery, and the world economy will likely get worse before it gets better

Economic Policy , Globalisation & International Trade Posted: 2009-06-13

Policy Responses to the Global Financial Crisis

Peterson Institute

A US speech considering the political and economic factors that have shaped responses to the global financial crisis so far

Economic Policy , Globalisation & International Trade Posted: 2009-06-09

Tracking the Global Financial Crisis: An Analysis of the IMF’s "World Economic Outlook"

Brookings

An 8-page US analysis of the IMF\\\'s \\\"World Economic Outlook\\\"

Economic Policy , Globalisation & International Trade Posted: 2009-06-09

A Quantum of Solace? An Assessment of Fiscal Stimulus Packages by EU Member States in Response to the Economic Crisis

ETUI

This 40-page working paper analyses the fiscal stimulus packages implemented by EU Member States against the background of the on-going economic crisis. Alongside the overall volume of the packages, the study, which is based on a survey of national experts, considers their content and also the involvement – or lack thereof of the social partners and particularly trade unions

European Union , Economic Policy Posted: 2009-06-07

Economic, Political and Institutional Determinants of Budget Deficits in the European Union

CESifo

This 45-page working paper investigates the economic, political, and institutional determinants of government deficits in the EU

European Union , Economic Policy Posted: 2009-06-04

Economic Valuation of Mortality Risk Reduction

PRI

This 69-page Canadian working paper updates earlier literature and makes new recommendations about appropriate estimates to use when valuing mortality risk changes in policy analyses

Health , Economic Policy Posted: 2009-05-28

Guarded Optimism: Latin American Economies

Chatham House

A UK examination of the prospects for Latin-American economies

Economic Policy , Regional Posted: 2009-05-28

The G20 Meetings: No Common Framework, No Consensus

CEIP

This 12-page US policy brief argues that until the major powers reach consensus about the roots of the imbalance and coordinate policy to promote recovery, the world economy is likely to get worse before it gets better

Economic Policy , Globalisation & International Trade Posted: 2009-05-20

Global Economic Crisis

GSDRC

This 59-page UK report pulls together the key findings from a series of recent research reports which explore the potential impacts of the current economic crisis on developing countries

International Development , Economic Policy Posted: 2009-05-18