Essays on corruption, inequality, and economic growth

摘要: This thesis investigates novel and unique avenues of corruption in an attempt to reach a better understanding the causes corruption. In particular, theoretically empirically examines implication military politics breeding importance financial development reducing The also improves our cross-country variations inequality economic growth by providing deeper analysis growth-inequality relationship with particular focus on role globalisation domestic policy reforms. To achieve this aim, contains four core chapters (essays) addition introductory chapter, literature review chapter concluding chapter. can be viewed different from one another. first two address these assess determining levels, investigate how important is for other provide inequality, poverty growth. Recent theoretical developments case study evidence suggests between third contributes analyzing time. By drawing cross sectional panel data set covering large number countries, over period 1984-2007, using variety econometric methods substantial empirical support found positive sum, results reveal that standard deviation increase leads 0.22 unit index. shown robust specification changes, techniques, sample sizes, alternative indices exclusion outliers. explanatory power at least as conventionally accepted corruption, such development. The market reforms combating has been highlighted but not systemically tested empirically. fourth we pass testing both linear non-monotonic forms intermediation. Our finds negative statistically significant impact intermediation Specifically, imply associated decrease 0.20 points, or 16 percent index including: (i) sets control variables; (ii) econometrics techniques; (iii) sizes; (iv) indices; (v) removal outliers; (vi) panels; (vii) allowing country interdependence, contagion effects, corruption. In fifth examine 65 developing counties, 1970-2008. increasing economies markets imperfections We presence underdeveloped markets. where systems are relatively developed, however, inequality-reducing effect limited. major findings five fold. First, income distribution level holds all samples countries. Second, openness trade FDI do have favourable selected Third, high liberalization exerts influence Fourth, inflation seems distort Finally, government emerges player impacting countries. In last analytically explore test relationships growth, trade. existing answering question why effects definitely negative. determines short run long run. However, substantially influenced context terms prevalence credit imperfections. identifies low-income countries likely reason growth. Similarly, inequalities comparatively high. show does matter ways regions levels inequality-growth nexus significantly group strongly high-income one. specifications, nonlinearity, inclusion additional variables, outliers sub-samples.