This thesis, submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Economics at the University of Geneva, lies at the intersection of resource and environmental economics, development economics, migration, and political economy, within the broader field of applied microeconomics. The dissertation examines how institutional quality and structural conditions shape economic outcomes across diverse contexts globally, spanning low, middle, and high-income countries.
The first chapter investigates extractive resource industries - in this case, mining - through the lens of firm ownership structures and institutional quality. Focusing on the distinction between local and multinational ownership, the chapter explores how governance frameworks affect firm characteristics and resource extraction outcomes. The analysis highlights a channel through which differences in institutional strength translate into heterogeneous economic outcomes, drawing parallels to mechanisms commonly associated with structural transformation, globally.
Building on the theme of institutions, the second chapter turns to the political economy of development assistance in an emerging economy context. Using evidence from India, the chapter studies the impact of development assistance programs on electoral outcomes, examining whether weak institutional environments create scope for rent-seeking behavior and political distortion.
The third chapter shifts attention to low-income countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, analysing the effects of cumulative adverse climatic shocks on household size. Using data from five countries, the chapter evaluates how limited adaptive capacity in vulnerable environments translates into migration responses, shedding light on the demographic consequences of climateinduced economic stress.
The final chapter adopts a high-income country perspective, focusing on labour market integration among second-generation migrants in 32 developed economies, including 30 European countries, Australia, and the United States. The findings indicate persistent barriers to labour market integration, characterised by lower labour force participation, higher unemployment rates, and reduced self-employment among second-generation migrants. The chapter also documents substantial heterogeneity in outcomes across gender and wage distributions.
Overall, this thesis examines a wide range of economic environments and populations, united by a common focus on institutions, vulnerability, and adaptation. By connecting evidence across diverse settings, the dissertation aims to contribute to policy-relevant insights that can inform efforts to improve economic efficiency, social inclusion, and welfare outcomes worldwide.
