Assignment:
Summary:
You will select one country to analyze in depth and write a paper discussing their economic system. In discussing their economic system, you will want to address any relevant history for the system forming, its stability, what the system means for economic growth and development and human flourishing, and what changes are happening in the system. More information will be given out separately in class. Each student should analyze a different country.
Proposal format:
Please clearly label the sections of your paper. Do not forget a title.
1. The introduction. This is your "sell." Here, you should motivate your research paper and frame it within a larger conversation - what is unique about your country? What general economic system are they following? What is the outlook for the country? You won't go too in depth here, but the reader should know the main thesis of your paper and what you are examining.
2. Relevant country history - make sure you frame this in terms of political economy and economic systems
a. Subheadings are fine as needed
3. Institutional Analysis - - There is a wide variety of avenues you could pursue here. Below are suggestions:
a. Current economic system
i. Baumol may help here
b. Other economic institutions - money, contracts, judicial system, starting/closing a business, overall economic freedom, etc.
c. Make sure to look at:
i. Major recent reforms (if present)
ii. Potential for economic growth (or decline or stagnation)
d. Potential subheadings:
i. Stability / revolutions / wars
ii. Major political changes
e. Additional areas you would like to examine
4. Conclusion. Tie it together. You can suggest future (related) research, reforms for the country, or a general economic outlook.
5. References - APA or Chicago Style - make sure to cite all sources!
Paper should be approximately 9 to 12 pages in length, 1 inch margins, Calibri 11 font or Times New Roman 12 font and double spaced, excluding your cover page and references. Graphs and quotes from outside sources can be used as long as properly cited - make sure they are advancing your paper and not used as filler. Please use proper grammar, citation style, spelling, etc. While not formally counted in the rubric, these will impact your grade.
Potential sources (non exhaustive list, please come see me if you are having difficulties finding information for your country):
- CIA World Factbook
- Freedom House
- Governance Matters
- Economic Freedom of the World - Fraser Institute
- International Monetary Fund International Financial Statistics Year Book
- World Bank Doing Business Index
- World Bank World Development Indicators
- Transparency International Corruption Index
- Economic articles on institutions
- Economic articles on institutions/rules/regulations for growth
- Relevant sources for country's history
Readings:
1. Institutional Stickiness and the New Development Economics
By Peter j. Boettke, christopher j. Coyne,
2. Economic freedom and growth: the case of the celtic tiger
By Benjamin Powell