Dr. Daria Sevastianova, Associate Professor of Economics, was a panelist at the 's 2024 Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas, on January 5-7. She served as a discussant on the panel dedicated to the Ukrainian War and sponsored by the Peace Science Society. The session featured research on the costs and spillovers of the war, democracy in Ukraine, NATO鈥檚 expansion, and recovery of the financial sector in Ukraine. Dr. Sevastianova discussed a working paper entitled, 鈥淭he Reconstruction and Development of Ukraine鈥檚 Financial Sector After the War,鈥� by Ralph De Haas of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Alexander Pivovarsky of Harvard University. The paper lays out a clear path of financial reforms in Ukraine, where work can begin before the war is over. Parts of the study are featured in the book Rebuilding Ukraine: Principles and Policies for Ukraine, published by the Center for Economic Policy Research.
Dr. Sevastianova鈥檚 discussion focused on the challenges facing Ukraine鈥檚 transition to a democracy and a free market economy as it tries to meet European Union (EU) membership criteria (Ukraine is currently a candidate). With the GDP per capital level only 12% of the EU average, much investment would be needed to catch the war-devastated Ukraine economy up to speed. It is up against many institutional and political obstacles and is one of the more corrupt European countries, ranking 116 out of 180 countries on the , published by Transparency International. An additional challenge, Dr. Sevastianova pointed out, was the lack of investment and saving culture in the post-Soviet space, where significant work on financial literacy still remains.
Dr. Sevastianova鈥檚 dissertation research was on the economics of conflict, with her papers appearing in various academic journals and a book chapter on the Economics of War.聽In addition, her background and experience growing up in Eastern Europe helped her secure an opportunity to contribute to the ongoing expert discussions of the Ukrainian War.
During the AEA conference, Dr. Sevastianova also attended sessions on causes and consequences of conflict, as well as political and economic ramifications of Russia鈥檚 invasion of Ukraine. She noted, 鈥淚t was encouraging to see the issue receive much attention at the main economics conference, with academics, policy makers, and media engaged in this important discussion. The war has already reshaped geopolitics and will continue to influence the future of Europe and the world.鈥�
Published January 23, 2024