In this thesis I will review the dynamics of economic relations between Israel and Palestine, in the context of its corresponding policy framework and the institutional arrangements (the Oslo...Show moreIn this thesis I will review the dynamics of economic relations between Israel and Palestine, in the context of its corresponding policy framework and the institutional arrangements (the Oslo Accords) that cover the implementation and management of those relations. I focus on the effect of the agreements on Palestine’s capacity to generate revenue, and will analyse this from three economic domains in which revenue can be generated: trade, taxation and labour. I will argue that the Oslo peace process has formalized and institutionalized economic relations that foster serious economic dependency, and that the agreements have failed to address the core economic weaknesses the Palestinian economy has had to deal with as a consequence of prolonged occupation and colonial structures.Show less
This thesis has conducted an analysis of economic policy by the Harding administration during the 1920-1921 depression. Free market economists have pointed to this episode in American history as...Show moreThis thesis has conducted an analysis of economic policy by the Harding administration during the 1920-1921 depression. Free market economists have pointed to this episode in American history as proof of the beneficial effects of laissez-faire fiscal and monetary policy during economic crises. This thesis has examined whether federal fiscal and monetary policy was in fact laissez-faire and what impact this had on economic recovery. First of all, trade policy was protectionist, though the Emergency Tariff was found to be too insignificant to impact the conclusions of this study. Taxation policy was decidedly laissez-faire as there were significant reductions in income-tax rates, the end of the Excess Profits tax and multiple smaller regressive taxes were lowered or scrapped. This thesis has found that taxation measures positively impacted economic recovery indirectly through the phenomenon of ‘regime certainty’. Furthermore, federal government spending was reduced substantially without negatively impacting economic growth. Government policy on wages, prices and unemployment was decidedly non-interventionist, resulting in substantially lower wages and prices. Finally, the Federal Reserve refrained from implementing any significant monetary stimulus, both through discount rate lowering or open market operations and the money supply decreased strongly throughout the crisis and economic recovery.Show less
Research master thesis | History: Societies and Institutions (research) (MA)
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In this MPhil-thesis the author examines the nature of the later Roman economy by focusing on a papyrological archive from the 4th century A.D. The late antique economy is a combination of a...Show moreIn this MPhil-thesis the author examines the nature of the later Roman economy by focusing on a papyrological archive from the 4th century A.D. The late antique economy is a combination of a monetary economy and a barter economy, which is reflected in the papyrological material. The Roman empire had to adapt itself to rapidly changing circumstances from the 3rd century onwards, the fiscal system from the reign of Diocletian onwards is a perfect example of the way the Romans adapted their economy to the new circumstances. The main focus in this thesis is on an archive of ca. 50 papyri from Oxyrhynchus , Egypt, called the archive of Papnuthis and Dorotheus; two brothers levying taxes in the Oxyrhynchite nome.Show less
