Mathieu Couttenier
@MatCoutt
Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CEPR, Head of the Center for Economic Research on Governance, Inequality and Conflict (#CERGIC)
New CEPR Discussion Paper - DP20403 Keeping Gorillas in the Mist: The Environmental Economics of Clean Cooking in the D.R. Congo @MatCoutt et al. @IOBUA @gorillacd @CEEMMontpellier @INRAE_France ow.ly/f0cw50WkppC #CEPR_DE #EconTwitter
Thanks a lot having me! Looking forward to it!
Looking forward to seeing @MatCoutt presenting his work on the impacts of pope messages, next Monday.
Looking forward to seeing @MatCoutt presenting his work on the impacts of pope messages, next Monday.
Seminario MAP July 25: "Dear Brothers and Sisters: Pope's Speeches & the Dynamics of Conflict in Africa" @MatCoutt (Université de Lyon) presents evidence on papal peace speeches reducing conflict, with variation across Popes. July 21, 12PM (🇵🇪 time). Moderates: @AlipioF (SMU) 1/2
A long long time ago, in a far away galaxy... the US used to tax the rich
"Comme le réchauffement clim l’érosion de la biodiversité à travers les #pesticides est une externalité globale L’🇪🇺 n’a pas le choix si elle veut élever ses standards elle ne peut pas laisser entrer les produits qui ne les respectent pas" @Mathieu_Parenti lemonde.fr/economie/artic…
Such incredible timing for the release of this amazing paper!
Full paper 👉dropbox.com/scl/fi/x6py6kp… #Peace #Economics #Africa
Still few hours to apply!
If you want to do a PhD at the Center for Economic Research on Governance, Inequality, and Conflict at ENS de Lyon, apply!
Full paper 👉dropbox.com/scl/fi/x6py6kp… #Peace #Economics #Africa
10/ 📜 Overall, our study shows that words can matter—especially when delivered by leaders with moral authority and strong networks. But effectiveness depends on the audience, local institutions, and conflict dynamics.
9/ ⚡ Armed groups react differently: - Conflict drops sharply among non-religious or Christian-affiliated groups - But violence rises among Islamic-affiliated groups in response to speeches Showing that messages can act as both catalysts for peace and triggers for escalation
8/ ⛪ Local Catholic bishops amplify the Pope's influence. Where bishops were aligned with the speaking Pope, peace effects are stronger. Leadership networks on the ground are key to translating speeches into action. #Institutions
7/ 🛐 The effect is strongest in areas with Christian communities. Where there are no Christians, speeches have little to no impact.
6/ 🙏 Not all Popes had the same effect: - John Paul II and Francis saw clear conflict reductions. - Benedict XVI, after the 2006 Regensburg speech, saw increased violence. The leader's identity, message, and timing matter. #Leadership #History
5/ 🔎 Using event-study methods, we estimate the impact of a Pope’s peace speech on conflict incidence: - 23% reduction in overall violence - 27% reduction in battles - 34% reduction inlow-intensity events
4/ 📡 First, we show that papal speeches effectively reach conflict-affected communities: - Media coverage spikes after speeches - Catholic dioceses amplify the message - Local Christians report stronger trust in religious leaders