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We examine the effect of population size on government size for a panel of 130 countries for the period between 1970 and 2014. We show that previous analyses of the nexus between population size and government size are incorrectly specified and fail to consider the influence of cross-sectional dependence, non-stationarity and cointegration. Using a panel time-series approach that adequately accounts for these issues, we find that population size has a positive long-run effect on government size. This finding suggests that effects of population size that increase government size (primarily due to the costs of heterogeneity, congestion, crime and conflict) dominate effects that reduce government size (primarily due to scale economies).

We examine the effect of population size on government size for a panel of 130 countries for the period between 1970 and 2014. We show that previous analyses of the nexus between population size and government size are incorrectly specified and fail to consider the influence of cross-sectional dependence, non-stationarity and cointegration. Using a panel time-series approach that adequately accounts for these issues, we find that population size has a positive long-run effect on government size. This finding suggests that effects of population size that increase government size (primarily due to the costs of heterogeneity, congestion, crime and conflict) dominate effects that reduce government size (primarily due to scale economies).

We examine the effect of population size on government size for a panel of 130 countries for the period between 1970 and 2014. We show that previous analyses of the nexus between population size and government size are incorrectly specified and fail to consider the influence of cross-sectional dependence, non-stationarity and cointegration. Using a panel time-series approach that adequately accounts for these issues, we find that population size has a positive long-run effect on government size. This finding suggests that effects of population size that increase government size (primarily due to the costs of heterogeneity, congestion, crime and conflict) dominate effects that reduce government size (primarily due to scale economies).

We examine the effect of population size on government size for a panel of 130 countries for the period between 1970 and 2014. We show that previous analyses of the nexus between population size and government size were incorrectly specified, not accounting for cross-sectional dependence, non-stationarity and cointegration as well as parameter heterogeneity. Using a panel time-series approach that adequately models these issues, we find that population size has a positive long-run effect on government size. This finding suggests that the detrimental effects of population size on government size (primarily due to a greater risk of social conflict) dominate its beneficial ones (primarily due to scale economies). We also show that population size increases government size especially in countries that are vulnerable to social conflict due to ethnic heterogeneity.

Erickson reviews The Size of Nations by Alberto Alesina and Enrique Spolaore.

AbstractNick Martin is a pioneer in recognizing the need for large sample size to study the complex, heterogeneous and polygenic disorders of common mental disorders. In the predigital era, questionnaires were mailed to thousands of twin pairs around Australia. Always quick to adopt new technology, Nick's studies progressed to phone interviews and then online. Moreover, Nick was early to recognize the value of collecting DNA samples. As genotyping technologies improved over the years, these twin and family cohorts were used for linkage, candidate gene and genome-wide association studies. These cohorts have underpinned many analyses to disentangle the complex web of genetic and lifestyle factors associated with mental health. With characteristic foresight, Nick is chief investigator of our Australian Genetics of Depression Study, which has recruited 16,000 people with self-reported depression (plus DNA samples) over a time frame of a few months — analyses are currently ongoing. The mantra of sample size, sample size, sample size has guided Nick's research over the last 30 years and continues to do so.

The debate over which size industry is best suited for Indonesiacontinues with proponents of both large and small sizes pointing out the benefits of each. However, little empirical analysis has been done regarding economic matters such as technical efficiency. Nonparametric analysis of technical efficiency for three sizes of firms in seven manufacturing sectors is estimated using linear programming techniques. Aggregated input and output data from BPS from 1991 to 1997 are used.Household size firms are found to be most efficient relative to the other sizes for five of the seven sectors analyzed. Large firms are relatively more efficient in 'Food, Beverage, and Tobacco' sector. Small companies are relatively less efficient than household firms in all but one case, but relatively more efficient than large firms in five of seven sectors. The results validate and perhaps explain the duel economy in Indonesia with both large and small firms existing in the same industry.When each sector is analyzed for each firm size, the 'Non-MetallicMineral Products Other Than Petroleum and Coal' sector is most efficient for all sizes of firms. The least efficient sector is the 'Chemical and Plastics' industry.The results suggest that government policy should be focused oncreating a stable environment for business, which promotes growth of efficient businesses, either large or small. Specific policies and intervention for small business development are not necessary, given the relative efficiency of small firms in Indonesia.

Intro -- Contents -- About the Author -- Introduction -- Chapter 1: Sowing the Seeds of Distrust -- A Pivotal Year -- Watergate Becomes an Icon -- An Epidemic of Scandal -- Warning from Wall Street -- Accounting and Accountability -- Count the Cost -- Chapter 2: Shattered Trust: Social License Revoked -- Poisoned -- The Fallout -- Disturbing Footage -- Eating Right -- The Cost of Confusion -- Chapter 3: From A&P to Omni Shopping: (Big Boxes and Inboxes) -- It's Always in Season -- Into the Box -- Virtual Cart -- Demand and Delivery -- Thrive Market -- Big Gets Bigger -- The Big Bias -- A Return to Innovation -- Chapter 4: From Famine to Feast -- Malthus Malaise -- Faulty Assumptions -- Green Revolution -- Tall Corn -- Gigi the Diva -- Saving People and the Planet -- Borlaug Backlash -- Jekyll & Hyde -- Back to the Farm -- Chapter 5: How to Make Money by Doing What's Right -- Cycle of Continuous Influence -- Freedom to Operate -- Social License -- Social License vs. Social Contract -- The Damning Bad Actor -- The Power of Shared Values -- Transparent Transformation -- Scale for Good -- Transparency Trepidation -- What Matters Most -- Answering the Wrong Question -- The Bias Against Big -- Building a Trustworthy Foundation -- Compelling Competency -- Effective Engagement -- Engagement on a Grand Scale -- The Challenge Ahead -- Chapter 6: Brands as Agents of Social Change -- Demanding Change -- If the Shoe Fits -- Brands as Change Agents -- Chicken and Egg -- Shall We Dance? -- Contrasting Strategies -- Workers Unite -- More Information Please -- Brands Make a Mark -- Digital Engagement -- Chapter 7: Military, Social Media and Meal Time -- Living Room War -- Taking Steps -- Food System Strategy -- Slimed -- The Tribe Has Spoken -- Not-So-Social Media -- Opening the Barn Door -- Chapter 8: Dinner Without Dogma -- Food Tribes -- Shame on Shaming.