Spotlight: Economic Development

Photo Credit: World Bank/Curt Carnemark
Daniel Kaufmann, Aart Kraay and Massimo Mastruzzi, June 29, 2009
Policy analysts, civil society groups and aid donors agree that good governance is critical for sustainable economic development. Yet, improving governance and fighting corruption is not always a priority, highlighting serious challenges in global economics. Daniel Kaufmann, Aart Kraay and Massimo Mastruzzi, authors of Governance Matters VIII and the updated Worldwide Governance Indicators, analyze evidence from 212 countries that shows good governance has a strong, positive impact on development.
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Global Governance, Global Economics, Governance, Sustainable Development, Developing Countries
SPOTLIGHT: U.S. Economy

Reuters/Robert Galbraith - Unemployed people hold signs along Market Street in San Francisco
Gary Burtless, June 24, 2009
Some analysts believe the current recession bears an uncanny resemblance to the Great Depression. Much of their evidence focuses on trends in international trade and industrial output. Gary Burtless says that the comparisons may seem frightening but are incomplete. We have a way to go before the current downturn can approach the economic catastrophe of the 1930s.
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U.S. Economy
SPOTLIGHT: Federal Budget

i-stockphoto- money black hole
William G. Gale and Alan J. Auerbach, June 2009
William Gale and Alan Auerbach share increasing public concerns about the deficit. Their research shows that as bad as the $1.7 trillion deficit looks for this year, the medium term and long-term numbers are of much greater concern. Our fiscal house of cards has dire implications for the American economy.
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Federal Budget, Fiscal Policy, Budget Deficit, U.S. Economy
U.S. Economy

Alex Grimm/Reuters - A trader reacts to his screens
Martin Neil Baily and Douglas J. Elliott, June 15, 2009
The economy is showing signs that it is likely bottoming out and heading toward a weak recovery, but we need to keep our optimism—and our policy actions—in check, argue Martin Baily and Douglas Elliott. Many risks remain for both the banking system and the larger economy, and they argue for increased focus on existing financial rescue plans and the banking sector.
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Financial Institutions, Financial Markets, Banking, U.S. Financial Market Regulation, U.S. Economy