Pocketbook realities reshape Americans’ commitment to democratic ideals
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 9-Jan-2026 05:11 ET (9-Jan-2026 10:11 GMT/UTC)
Erik Katovich, assistant professor of agricultural and resource economics in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, published a study in The Economic Journal proving the validity of a common belief: large landowners use their money to influence local politics to benefit their operations. Katovich’s study showed that large landholders in the Amazon who donate to winning municipal politicians, like a mayor, are more likely to develop soybean farming on their properties than those who donate to a losing candidate.
Looking at international air travel and multinational firm formation over a 30-year period, MIT researchers found multinational firms are more likely to locate their subsidiaries in cities they can reach with direct flights, and that this trend is particularly pronounced in knowledge industries.
The 2026 MRS International Risk Conference will be held in Honolulu, Hawaii, from July 17 to 19, 2026. Hosted by the Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawaii and jointly organized by China Finance Review International (CFRI) and the Modern Risk Society (MRS), the conference invites submissions from scholars worldwide on a broad range of topics related to risk and capital markets. Under the theme “AI in an Uncertain World,” the conference aims to advance research on global financial risk management with a particular focus on modern and emerging risks. Selected papers presented at the conference will be considered for a special issue of the Pacific-Basin Finance Journal. The conference will feature a keynote address by Professor Torben G. Andersen of Northwestern University and will present multiple research excellence awards. The submission deadline for conference papers is February 10, 2026 (Eastern Time).