Anirban Mitra: Redistribution of Economic Resources due to Conflict: The Maoist Uprising in Nepal

Macro BB seminar. Anirban Mitra presents "Redistribution of Economic Resources due to Conflict: The Maoist Uprising in Nepal".

Abstract:

Nepal has seen a large reduction in poverty over the period 1995 - 2010. This period roughly coincides with the Maoist uprising which resulted in the abolition of the monarchy in 2008. So was the post-conflict provision of economic resources to districts related to their involvement in promoting the Maoist cause? We tackle this question combining theory and empirics. Our model predicts that poorer districts are more likely to support the Maoists and in return they get promised economic gains conditional on the Maoists prevailing post-conflict. Combining data on conflict with consumption expenditure data from the Nepal Living Standards Survey, we test these predictions. Our panel data estimates and our cross-sectional analysis consistently find strong support for our hypotheses.

Photo: Vegard Wiborg

 

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Macroinequality
Published Oct. 22, 2015 1:51 PM - Last modified Nov. 2, 2015 4:48 PM