Lab for Economic Development Research

Corruption is a major challenge to international development that entails the misuse of public office or entrusted power for private gain. Due to its clandestine nature, corruption is also notoriously difficult to measure. LEDR projects on corruption are overcoming these challenges by using objective measures from infractions in governmental audit reports and machine learning techniques to extract the data. Ultimately, the data will inform numerous papers showing how to effectively deter corruption. Research assistants working on LEDR corruption projects will gain substantive knowledge on the distinctions between corruption and mismanagement as well as the various subtypes of corruption.

Team Leads: Michael Denly, Robert Kubinec

Individual countries’ successes and failures often hinge on diplomatic relations with other countries and whether those relations yield greater amounts of foreign aid. However, such macro-level outcomes are only part of the larger picture on international development. LEDR projects are using fine-grained data on bureaucratic appointments, treaties, and the components of individual aid projects to re-examine the tenets of how diplomacy and foreign aid take place in practice. Research assistants working on these projects will not only improve their data skills but also gain substantive knowledge on the daily workings of diplomatic and foreign aid bureaucracies.

Team Leads: Michael Denly, William Norris

Environmental degradation and heavy dependence on natural resources present complex challenges in many low and middle-income countries where state capacity is limited and empirical research is scarce. Researchers in the LEDR are tackling these issues head-on. They are working to bridge the gap in evidence by deeply analyzing and measuring critical environmental challenges in these developing regions. Using both theoretical frameworks and extensive data analysis, research assistants will explore the complex relationships among environmental damage, natural resource use, and human well-being. This analysis extends to understanding the wider effects on health, livelihoods, conflict, and even international security. The involvement of students in the LEDR program is not just educational but instrumental. Their work will significantly contribute to providing tools aimed at balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability and social justice, particularly in the Global South.

Team Leads: Michael Denly, Stephanie Onder, Tatiana Zarate-Barrera

Economic globalization presents both opportunities and challenges for international development. Deepening integration via trade, foreign investment, and migration can increase economic growth for developing countries. But globalization can also introduce disruptive change that reshapes local and national governance. LEDR projects on globalization are using fine-grained data to investigate how trade, investment, and migration influence the provision of public goods and economic advancement of marginalized communities. Other projects explore linkages between migration and international capital flows. Research assistants working on LEDR globalization projects will gain new knowledge about governance challenges in emerging markets and the economic significance of international migration.

Team Leads: David H. Bearce, Thomas M. Flaherty, Benjamin Helms, Andrew Morriss, Ren Mu

According to the latest data from the Uppsala Conflict Data Program, there have never been so many violent conflicts around the world. Armed campaigns have generated staggering casualties and often result in mass displacement, food insecurity, economic instability, and social fragmentation. In this context, LEDR projects examine the economic impacts of political violence and how individuals, households and communities can build resilience against such impacts, particularly in the context of developing countries. We also explore how sovereignty contestations unfold and what roles rebel leaders play in the course of armed conflicts. Research assistants will gain experience in empirical research using cross-national and subnational conflict data to probe critical questions about the origins, dynamics, resolution and outcomes of armed conflicts. These research projects hold implications for international development, international relations, and citizens’ welfare around the globe.

Team Leads: Reyko Huang, Justin Kappiaruparampil, Ilaynda B. Onder, Stefanie Onder