Political economy (2022/2023)

Learning outcomes

The course aims to expose the students to some topics of current interest in political economy (i.e., state capacity, at electoral and political systems, and accountability).

Module A – 10 hours (Roberto Ricciuti)
This module introduces state capacity a topic of current research in political economy. In particular, it deals with:
1. Development clusters, 2. Fiscal capacity, 3. Legal capacity, 4. Political violence, 5. Development assistance
The main refence is Besley and Persson (2011), Pillars of Prosperity. Princeton University Press.
Module B – 10 hours (Emanuele Bracco)
This module looks at electoral and political systems, and accountability.
• Morelli, M., “Party Formation and Policy Outcomes under Different Electoral Systems,” Review of Economic Studies, 2004.
• Myerson, R., “Theoretical Comparisons of Electoral Systems: 1998 Schumpeter Lecture,” European Economic Review, 1999.
• Lizzeri, A. and N. Persico [2001], “The provision of public goods under alternative electoral incentives”, AER 91, 225-245.
• Rogoff, Kenneth. “Equilibrium Political Budget Cycles.” The American Economic Review, vol. 80, no. 1, 1990, pp. 21–36.
• Persson, Torsten, et al. “Comparative Politics and Public Finance.” Journal of Political Economy, vol. 108, no. 6, 2000, pp. 1121–1161.

Essay: it could be either a survey of the literature (4000 words) or (preferably) an empirical application on a relevant economic issue (3000 words).