Political Economy and Policy

The application of economic theory and analytical tools to politics and policy, covering topics such as: economic analysis of voter decisions in elections and the decision to participate in elections; political selection processes and politicians' motivations, and their impact on public policy; political accountability and corruption; the role of the mass media and its impact on electoral politics and policy formulation; political distortion through patronage, lobbying, and political connections; and issues related to crime, conflict, and violence; as well as the origins of political institutions, their inertia, and the impact of policies, particularly on the economy.