In past decades there has been growing interest in Diaspora engagement in development, however, this topic is discussed controversially. On one hand, Diasporas can have a positive developmental effect on their country of origin though civil society engagement in form of social, cultural and political projects, as well as economic transfers. Diasporas have sometimes been recognized as “agents fo...

In the past decade, many countries have embarked upon the difficult transition from armed conflict toward reconciliation and reconstruction. The international community's role in this transition has shifted from narrow humanitarian and relief activities to more comprehensive efforts to foster sustainable peace. At the same time, the community has shifted from a stepped approach from relief to d...

This dissertation consists of three chapters on the interaction of political institutions and macroeconomic activity in dynamic environments. Chapter 1 studies the optimal management of taxes and debt in a framework which relaxes the standard assumption of a benevolent government. We assume instead the existence of a self-interested ruler who manages the government budget. Unlike in the standar...

The deliberate release of anthrax in the United States shortly after the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 brought about a radical change in people's perception of the risk of bioterrorism. These bioterrorist events, unlike others before, had a worldwide impact not only in respect of security and public health but also in other sectors. Governments and international entities with responsib...

A peace process almost always acts as the catalyst to transition from conflict. In reality, the peace process is usually dominated by peace negotiations between the main contending parties who are able to direct the content and progress of the movement towards peace. However, as conflicts rarely reduce into bilateral disputes, the elite nature of peace talks can exclude or ignore broader, cross...

1 In the liberal concept of a " democratic civil peace " , an idealistic understanding of democratic stabilization and pacification prevails: Democracy is seen to guarantee political stability and social peace by offering comprehensive representation and participation in political decisions while producing outcomes broadly in accordance with the common interest of society. This contrasts with t...

1 1 Principal drafters: Till Blume and Julian Junk, under the lead of Wolfgang Seibel – who is also heading the overall project – and with the assistance of Florian Roth and Johannes Cherbuliez. We are grateful to Susanna Pfohl Campbell, who provided her notes of the conference. David Antal proved invaluable for the finalization of this report. explored two largely neglected aspects of United N...