Topic: Public Policy
Why Some Dictators Build Schools — and Others Don’t
Compulsory education ‘homogenizes’ population, can stave off democracy
Why Do Banks With Little Skin in the Game Still Monitor Borrowers?
Tax policy change triggers an incentive for lenders to be more aggressive
Why Big Banks Can Pay Less on Deposits
Their level of technology and services makes up for it; it’s vice versa with little banks
Which Policies Best Counter Mass Layoffs? Maybe None
A study of military base closures finds that labor-friendly policies had little effect on job growth after the layoffs
When Medicare Pays, Drug Companies Employ Older Subjects in Clinical Trials
The shift lends credibility to medicines vs. trials that exclude people 65 and older
When Ebola Strikes, Where Should Help Go?
Improving epidemic forecasting helps response teams target aid more effectively
What Happens at Hotels When Laws Restrict Airbnbs?
In New York, small and budget hotels — competitors to short-term rentals — raised prices
Want More Charging Stations? Spur Purchases of More EVs
Governments needn’t subsidize charging networks
The Unhappy Quest for a Happiness Index
Pushing aside GDP for a measure of human well-being turns out to be very, very difficult. Ask Dan Benjamin
The Transformative Potential of Financial Reparations
Payouts to victims of Colombia’s decadeslong armed conflict suggest benefits may exceed the initial cost
The Long-Term Political Influence of Immigrants
Europeans brought an appreciation of social welfare programs that still resonates
The Dollar Store Fix for Vaccination Deserts
Pharmacies aren’t everywhere — adding dollar stores could reduce average distance to vaccination by 62%
The Deterrent Effect of Ignition Interlock Devices — Before They’re Even Installed
Adding a car breathalyzer to existing penalties could substantially discourage drunken driving
State Tax Credits for Angel Investors Backfire
Good ideas may be scarce, capital to fund them is not
Some Unfortunate Truths about Trade
The troublesome relationship between tariffs, trade deficits and the tenuous economic recovery