Inequality, International Tax, and Investment Incentives
Vinod Aggarwal, Professor
Political Science
Applications for Spring 2025 are closed for this project.
In a world of rising inequality and globalization, international coordination on tax policy has increased in importance. In this project, I investigate how international tax coordination was formed between states and how changes to the global tax rules affect the international investment environment. I argue that the global minimum tax will dampen the use of investment incentives and shift the politicization of FDI from local politicians to the bureaucracy. I use survey experiments, difference-in-differences, and observational data to test these claims. This project contributes to the understanding of industrial policy, inequality, and international law.
Role: URAP students will work with the Project Director to collect information and data on the participation of heads of state (presidents, prime ministers, etc) in investment promotion activities in G20 countries. This process will involve collecting news articles, policy reports, and press releases as well as identifying key information about firm and head of state. In addition, the URAP student will assist with ORBIS queries regarding background information about various firms involved in investment promotion. Students will learn how to conduct systematic web searches, work with Excel (R if desired), and query the ORBIS business database. Students will meet with the PD once a week via Zoom.
Qualifications: Students should have expertise with Microsoft Office software, especially Excel. Preference for students with experience in R or other statistical analysis software. Applicants should have a strong interest in international political economy (IPE); students who have completed PolSci126A with Professor Aggarwal are especially welcome to apply, as well as students with an interest or background in IPE, political science, or economics.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Margaret Kenney, Ph.D. candidate
Hours: 9-11 hrs
Off-Campus Research Site: Remote position.
Social Sciences