Research

Research Interests: Political Economy, Applied Microeconomics.

WORKING PAPERS

◾The Institutional Role of the Italian Mafia: Enforcing Contracts When the State Does Not
▪ European Economic Association Young Economist Award 2023 ▪ JM draft

◾Breaking Negative Narratives: Long-term Social Progress and Trust in Institutions
w/ G. Daniele, A. F.M. Martinangeli ▪ Revise and Resubmit, Economic Journal
▪ New version: link ▪ Working Paper: CEPR ▪ LEMMA ▪ WU
▪ Additional material: surveys (EN) surveys (ITA)

◾Education Expansion, College Choice and Labour Market Success
w/ P. Ghinetti, S. Moriconi, C. Naguib, M. Pellizzari ▪ Submitted
▪ New version: link ▪ Working Paper: BSE ▪ CEPR ▪ CESifo
▪ Media coverage: VoxEu column, lavoce.info

SELECTED WORK IN PROGRESS

◾Stigma and Policy Preferences in Taboo Markets: Sex Work Decriminalization
w/ S. Tijani ▪ Draft coming soon

◾The Persistence of the Sicilian Mafia

PUBLICATIONS

◾The Taxing Challenges of the State: Unveiling the Role of Fiscal & Administrative Capacity in Development
w/ E. Muñoz-Sobrado, A. Piolatto, A. Zerbini CESifo Economic Studies, 2024
▪ WP versions: BSE