Essays on conflict, fragility and political economy.
Lead Research Organisation:
London School of Economics and Political Science
Department Name: Economics
Abstract
My research provides insights into the economic and political challenges faced by fragile states, emphasizing the importance of state capacity, innovative aid delivery mechanisms, and the nuanced interactions between international organizations and local populations.
In one project, I analyze the economic impact of the Colombian government's peace accord with the FARC guerrilla group. Using a difference-in-differences methodology, the study finds a significant reduction in violence in areas affected by the conflict but no corresponding positive changes in economic indicators, suggesting that peace agreements alone are insufficient for economic growth without concurrent investments in state capacity.
Another paper examines the effectiveness of digital payment systems in alleviating extreme hunger during humanitarian crises. Conducted in Afghanistan, the randomized evaluation provided digital payments to extremely poor, female-headed households. The results show substantial improvements in food security and mental well-being among recipients. Despite limited technological literacy, 99.75% of participants successfully utilized the digital payments, with no evidence of aid diversion. Delivery costs were under 7 cents per dollar, suggesting that digital platforms can enhance the efficiency of humanitarian aid delivery in fragile contexts.
A final paper investigates how international organizations influence the relationship between the state and its citizens in fragile environments. Through a randomized trial involving extremely vulnerable women in Pakistan, the study assesses the impact of receiving humanitarian aid on political attitudes and behaviours. It also examines the role of recipients' beliefs about the aid's source and the effects of providing accurate information regarding the aid's origin. The ongoing fieldwork aims to elucidate the complex dynamics between international aid provision and the development of social contracts in states with limited capacity.
In one project, I analyze the economic impact of the Colombian government's peace accord with the FARC guerrilla group. Using a difference-in-differences methodology, the study finds a significant reduction in violence in areas affected by the conflict but no corresponding positive changes in economic indicators, suggesting that peace agreements alone are insufficient for economic growth without concurrent investments in state capacity.
Another paper examines the effectiveness of digital payment systems in alleviating extreme hunger during humanitarian crises. Conducted in Afghanistan, the randomized evaluation provided digital payments to extremely poor, female-headed households. The results show substantial improvements in food security and mental well-being among recipients. Despite limited technological literacy, 99.75% of participants successfully utilized the digital payments, with no evidence of aid diversion. Delivery costs were under 7 cents per dollar, suggesting that digital platforms can enhance the efficiency of humanitarian aid delivery in fragile contexts.
A final paper investigates how international organizations influence the relationship between the state and its citizens in fragile environments. Through a randomized trial involving extremely vulnerable women in Pakistan, the study assesses the impact of receiving humanitarian aid on political attitudes and behaviours. It also examines the role of recipients' beliefs about the aid's source and the effects of providing accurate information regarding the aid's origin. The ongoing fieldwork aims to elucidate the complex dynamics between international aid provision and the development of social contracts in states with limited capacity.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Miguel Farjardo Steinhauser (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES/P000622/1 | 30/09/2017 | 29/09/2028 | |||
| 2480056 | Studentship | ES/P000622/1 | 30/09/2020 | 29/09/2024 | Miguel Farjardo Steinhauser |