Double Counting Ambiguities in the Linear Sigma Model

We study the dynamical consequences imposed on effective chiral field theories such as the quark-level SU(2) linear $\sigma$ model (L$\sigma$M) due to the fundamental constraints of massless Goldstone pions, the normalization of the pion decay constant and form factor, and the pion charge radius. We discuss quark-level double counting L$\sigma$M ambiguities in the context of the Salam-Weinberg $Z = 0$ compositeness condition. Then SU(3) extensions to the kaon are briefly considered.Comment: 23 pages To be published in Journal of Physics

Does Income Inequality Lead to Terrorism? Evidence from the Post-9/11 Era

We study the influence of income inequality on terrorism. Using cross-national data for 79 countries for the 2002-2012 period, we show that endogeneity matters to the inequalityterrorism relationship, e.g., because of the distributional effects of terrorism. Once endogeneity is properly accounted for by means of an instrumental-variable approach, higher levels of income inequality result in more terrorist activity. This finding is robust to different definitions of the dependent variable, different estimation techniques and different instruments for income inequality. Our finding that inequality fuels terrorism is consistent with relative deprivation theory which argues that conflict results from frustration over the actual distribution of economic resources within a society

The Economic and Financial Crises in CEE and CIS: Gender Perspectives and Policy Choices

This paper looks at the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), where economies have been most dramatically hit by the global crisis and its impact is likely to be most long-lasting, especially among poor and vulnerable groups. Using poverty as the main axis, it looks at aspects of economic and social development in countries at similar poverty levels to identify the degree of fiscal space in each, as well as the different policy choices made. The paper argues that despite such economic fundamentals as increasing external debt, worsening current account imbalances, and demands for a balanced budget, governments have policy choices to make about how to protect different groups, especially the most vulnerable-including women