Publishing Institution: Global Development and Environment Institute at Tufts University / Topic: International Trade and Finance

Author:: Jonathan Harris
Publication Date:: 07-2001
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Global Development and Environment Institute at Tufts University
Abstract:: The trend in mainstream economic thought about macroeconomic policy has been towards minimalism. In the optimistic Keynesian phase of the 1960's, it was assumed that both fiscal and monetary policy were effective tools for macroeconomic management. But the influence of monetarist and New Classical critiques has led to a gradual erosion of theoretical support for activist government policy. First fiscal policy fell by the wayside, perceived as too slow and possibly counterproductive in its impacts. Then New Classical and rational expectations critiques suggested that even monetary policy was ineffective. Thus the role of government policy has been reduced to a cautious effort not to make things worse -- in effect a return to an economics of laissez- faire.
Topic:: Development, Economics, International Political Economy, and International Trade and Finance

Author:: Kevin Gallagher, Francisco Aguayo, and Ana González
Publication Date:: 07-2001
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Global Development and Environment Institute at Tufts University
Abstract:: This paper identifies a number of errors and inconsistencies in a series of air pollution intensities for Mexico that were recently created by the World Bank. Because these data are being used to conduct public policy analysis and advice for Mexico and countries at similar levels of development, knowledge of the limits of these data is of utmost importance. In addition to identifying the problems with these data, this paper makes a series of adjustments to offer a corrected dataset. These newly corrected data are available on the World Bank's New Ideas in Pollution Regulation (NIPR) web page.
Topic:: Economics, Environment, and International Trade and Finance
Political Geography:: Mexico

Author:: Eliza Waters and Tim Wise
Publication Date:: 02-2001
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Global Development and Environment Institute at Tufts University
Abstract:: The North American Free Trade Agreement appeared to promise economic growth for Mexico and improved living conditions for its people. While the Mexican economy has recovered significantly from its post-NAFTA collapse, there is mounting evidence that many of the pre-NAFTA warnings of worsening poverty and deteriorating environmental conditions were true, if exaggerated. However one interprets the statistics, there is little doubt that the economic integration process, which began a full decade before NAFTA took effect, has created a significant restructuring of the Mexican economy, with some of the country's most vulnerable residents facing the harshest conditions.
Topic:: Agriculture, Economics, Globalization, International Trade and Finance, and Political Economy
Political Geography:: North America

Author:: Neva Goodwin
Publication Date:: 01-2001
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Global Development and Environment Institute at Tufts University
Abstract:: This essay will consider the relevance of the social sciences - especially economics - to the foundations of sustainable development. Looming environmental crises have served as a prime motivating force for reevaluating fundamental principles. In particular, the concept of sustainability, carrying with it clear requirements for values, goals and ethics, has begun to reshape economics. The broadest conception of sustainability is found if we understand sustainable development to mean Socially And Environmentally Just And Sustainable development - "SAEJAS development".
Topic:: Development, Economics, Globalization, International Trade and Finance, and Political Economy

Author:: Jonathan Harris
Publication Date:: 06-2000
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Global Development and Environment Institute at Tufts University
Abstract:: Great ideas are usually simple ideas. While the specific analysis of any important topic will necessarily involve complexity and subtlety, the fundamental concepts which underlie powerful paradigms of thought are usually relatively straightforward and easy to grasp. In the area of social science, ideas which affect millions of people and guide the policies of nations must be accessible to all, not just to an elite. Only thus can they permeate institutions from the local to the global level, and become a part of the human landscape, part of the fabric within which we define our lives.
Topic:: Development, Economics, Globalization, International Trade and Finance, and Political Economy

Author:: Frank Ackerman and Kevin Gallagher
Publication Date:: 10-2000
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Global Development and Environment Institute at Tufts University
Abstract:: Economic theory suggests that liberalization of trade between countries with differing levels of environmental protection could lead pollution-intensive industry to concentrate in the nations where regulations are lax. This effect, often referred to as the "pollution haven" hypothesis, is much discussed in theory, but finds only ambiguous support in empirical research to date. Methodologies used for research on trade and environment differ widely; many are difficult to apply to practical policy questions.
Topic:: Development, Economics, Environment, Globalization, and International Trade and Finance

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