On inequality and possible remedies

In the famous Parable of the Talents, the master awards his servants who managed to multiply wealth and punishes the one who preferred to hide the treasure and made a sterile use of it. The story ends on a harsh judgment: “for to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away” (Matthew 25:14–30).

Essais Économie

Taxing non-renewable resource extraction: for more transparency, fairness and sustainability

Illicit financial flows are one of the symptoms of unharnessed globalisation. While trade and finance have become more and more international, with an accelerated rhythm since the end of the Cold War, governance has not kept pace and all states, including the most powerful, face the consequences of non-cooperative behavior and free ride, from other state entities as well as from non-state actors whose influence can exceed that of entire countries.

Essais Économie

Une politique internationale de développement durable centrée sur les villes

L’urbanisation, la convergence de certaines politiques publiques internationales (développement, lutte contre le réchauffement climatique, aide humanitaire, maintien de la sécurité internationale), le rôle des villes dans chacun de ces domaines (moteur de croissance, concentration des émissions de CO2 et de la consommation d’énergie, foyer de catastrophe naturelle ou de crise politique) et le poids croissant de nouveaux acteurs dans les politiques de développement (collectivités locales, entreprises, ONG…) devraient pousser à une coordination accrue, voire une fusion des quatre politiques publiques internationales précitées.

Essais Gouvernance et développement

The war that Ukraine (and the West) can win

Full-blown war with Russia has never been so likely. Ukraine has no chance to win it, nor can it count on a decisive military support from the West. Both must therefore focus on socio-economic development to win hearts and minds through the establishment of a “Marshall plan” for energy efficiency.

Essais Ukraine

Is genocide still possible in the 21st century?

In January 2015, the world will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz extermination camp. Though not being the first – nor the last – genocide in human history, the Shoah, with its unique combination of destructive ideology and industrial means that led to the annihilation of millions of individuals within a few years, has sadly become its most popular expression and Auschwitz, its most famous symbol.

Essais

For a smarter and fairer socio-economic model in 21st century Europe

In 2000, the Lisbon Strategy was setting the goal for the EU to become within ten years “the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world”. After it failed to meet its objectives, it has been replaced with the Europe 2020 strategy focusing on five key targets to achieve “smart, sustainable, inclusive growth”. While some are likely to be reached by 2020, e.g. in the realm of energy and climate, the persisting economic crisis challenges the overall chances of success of the strategy, especially in relation to employment and poverty.

Essais Union européenne