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on Central and South America |
| By: | Pereira, Leila (Insper, São Paulo); Pucci, Rafael (University of Sao Paulo); Soares, Rodrigo R. (Insper, São Paulo) |
| Abstract: | We study a Force-down/Shoot-down intervention in Brazil that led cocaine traffickers to shift from air to river routes. Using data on cocaine production, homicides, and the network of rivers in the Amazon, we provide evidence that violence increased in municipalities along river routes originating from Andean producing countries after the policy. We also show that, during the same period, violence in these municipalities became more responsive to cocaine production in origin countries. We document an instance of crime displacement over the three-dimensional space, involving sophisticated adaptations from criminals regarding transportation technologies, with dramatic side-effects for local populations. |
| Keywords: | cocaine, illegal markets, crime displacement, violence, Brazil, Amazon |
| JEL: | K42 O54 Q34 |
| Date: | 2024–10 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17425 |
| By: | Rivera, Eduardo (MIT); Seira, Enrique (MSU); Jha, Saumitra (Stanford U) |
| Abstract: | Democratic values are eroding just as citizens perceive increasing corruption, with numerous cases implicating the highest-level politicians. Could perceived increases in apex corruption be weakening democracy? We first present event study analyses of more than 170 high-profile corruption scandals involving some of the most prominent politicians in 17 Latin American countries. We show that in the aftermath of such apex corruption scandals, support for democracy falls by 0.07ð ‘ ð ‘‘, support for authoritarianism rises by 11% and violent protests rise by 70%. We complement these results with a field experiment in Mexico. Randomized exposure to footage of apex corruption scandals, particularly implicating politicians known for their anticorruption platforms, decreases individuals’ support for democracy by 0.15ð ‘ ð ‘‘, willingness to trust politicians and neighbors in incentivized games by 18% and 11%, volunteering as election observers by 45%, and actual voter turnout by about 5ð ‘ ð ‘ , while raising stealing from local mayors by 4%. The undermining of democratic values produces latent effects that even cumulate four months later. Seeking solutions, priming national identity proved an unsuccessful antidote, but providing exposure to national stock index funds holds some promise. |
| JEL: | C72 C93 D02 D72 D73 D91 K42 |
| Date: | 2024–05 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ecl:stabus:4166 |
| By: | Busso, Matías; Alfonso, Mariana; Ñopo, Hugo R.; Rivera Bianchi, Antonella Maria; Yentzen, Triana |
| Abstract: | Education systems seeking to improve outcomes must attract, develop, and retain highly effective teachers. A critical challenge is making the teaching profession appealing to talented youth. This paper presents evidence from an experiment in Peru, where we provided high school seniors with information about recent reforms to the teaching career. Wefi nd positive effects on both the extensive and intensive margins: treated students were more likely to enroll in higher education and to choose an education major. These results suggest that career incentives and information can shape not only the current teaching workforce but also future cohorts. |
| Keywords: | Civil Service Reform;Education policy;Teachers;Information Treatment;Randomized Control Trial |
| JEL: | I28 I23 J40 O10 |
| Date: | 2024–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:idb:brikps:13821 |