Epidemics and rapacity of multinational companies

Sonno, Tommaso and Zufacchi, Davide (2022) Epidemics and rapacity of multinational companies. CEP Discussion Papers (1833). London School of Economics and Political Science. Centre for Economic Performance, London, UK.

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Abstract

Do multinationals engage in rent-seeking behaviour in developing countries during crises? With a difference in discontinuity approach, we use the Ebola epidemic in Liberia as a natural experiment on the sharp increase in deforestation, which produced a dramatic growth in newly planted palm oil trees and a 1428% increase in palm oil exports. We show that the probability of forest fire - the fastest way to clear forests and start new production - increased by 125% in the same period. Both effects are amplified in areas populated by ethnic minorities.

Item Type:	Monograph (Discussion Paper)
Official URL:	https://cep.lse.ac.uk/_new/publications/discussion...
Additional Information:	© 2022 The Authors
Divisions:	Centre for Economic Performance
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HC Economic History and Conditions H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory
JEL classification:	C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C2 - Econometric Methods: Single Equation Models; Single Variables > C23 - Models with Panel Data F - International Economics > F2 - International Factor Movements and International Business > F23 - Multinational Firms; International Business O - Economic Development, Technological Change, and Growth > O1 - Economic Development > O13 - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Energy; Environment; Other Primary Products
Date Deposited:	09 Jan 2023 11:18
Last Modified:	11 Sep 2025 05:06
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/117802

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