The Costs of Inequality: Invitation to CNN

I have spent a few days in Chile invited by the Instituto de Estudios Internacionales of the University of Chile.  They have introduced a fantastic new MA in Development Studies led by José Miguel Ahumada.  It is great to be in Santiago where interesting policy debates are taking place around Pension reform among others.  While in Chile, I had the opportunity to talk about my upcoming book on the Costs of Inequality in Latin America and its lessons for the rest of the world in CNN Chile.  It was a nice experience and a great opportunity to reflect on the consequences of economic inequality at the top. Here the link.

The Venezuelan crisis and its complications

I just wrote another column in Agenda Pública about the Venezuela crisis (in Spanish).  I am convinced that Maduro's government stopped being democratic a while back.  The more I hear Venezuelan analysts discussing the situation--we had a nice event yesterday at the Kellogg--the clearer the problems become.  Nevertheless, the strategy of recognizing an alternative governments is extremely risky and sets a dangerous precedent. What are the criteria to recognize or not recognize a new president in each case?  This is an important question given the growing number of semi-democracies and semi-dicatorships from Nicaragua to Turkey and Hungary).  Also, the chances that this ends up in a civil war have increased significantly.

I so much hope that we can soon have free and fair elections there!

My new Op-Ed (in Spanish) in Agenda Pública

I am currently working on a book on what Latin American teaches about inequality to the rest of the world (you can find a short description here).  In reading about the region's history and comparing it with the present, it became clear how difficult building a vibrant democracy has been.  In unequal contexts, the elite just have limited incentives to allow for an institutional structure that promotes redistribution.  I reflect on this problem in my recent Op-Ed in Agenda Publica (where I am happy to now be a regular contributor).  As always, comments are most welcomed!