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Fiscal federalism and foreign transfers: does inter-jurisdictional competition increase foreign aid effectiveness?

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  • Lessmann, Christian
  • Markwardt, Gunther

Abstract

This paper empirically studies the impact of decentralization and inter-jurisdictional competition on foreign aid effectiveness. For this purpose we examine a commonly used empirical growth model, considering different measures of fiscal decentralization. Our panel estimations reveal that expenditure decentralization and inter-jurisdictional competition - reflected by the degree of tax revenue decentralization - negatively impact aid effectiveness. We therefore conclude that donor countries should carefully consider how both anti-poverty instruments - foreign assistance and decentralization - work together.

Suggested Citation

  • Lessmann, Christian & Markwardt, Gunther, 2010. "Fiscal federalism and foreign transfers: does inter-jurisdictional competition increase foreign aid effectiveness?," Dresden Discussion Paper Series in Economics 10/10, Technische Universität Dresden, Faculty of Business and Economics, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:tuddps:1010
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Foreign Aid; Growth; Interjurisdictional Competition;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O1 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development
    • O2 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy
    • O4 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity
    • H7 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations

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