Report by Univ.-Prof. Jonas Bunte, Ph.D.

In January 2025, I had the pleasure of participating in the “International and Comparative Political Economy” workshop at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD). The event was hosted by Sujeong Shim, Assistant Professor of Political Science at NYUAD. The workshop brought together scholars to discuss pressing topics in Comparative and International Political Economy, including development, trade, finance, and migration.

The format was intentionally small and interactive, with around a dozen papers scheduled over two days. This intimate setting created an excellent environment for in-depth discussions and meaningful engagement. Participants included colleagues from institutions such as Princeton, Stanford, the London School of Economics, the University of Texas at Austin, the Hertie School, Stockholm University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Yonsei University. The conversations were wide-ranging, exploring the ways in which political and economic dynamics intersect across regions and disciplines.

At the workshop, I presented my paper titled Carbon Disclosure and Governmental Kickbacks: Evidence from the U.S. EXIM Bank. Our research investigates how firms may strategically use voluntary disclosure of their carbon emissions not merely to forestall regulation, but as a way to signal vulnerability and secure government support. Focusing on the U.S. Export-Import (EXIM) Bank, we find that firms voluntarily reporting emissions to the Carbon Disclosure Project are nearly twice as likely to receive EXIM Bank loans as those who do not disclose. This suggests that voluntary disclosure serves as a costly signal that firms leverage to obtain governmental benefits, linking debates on climate policy, trade, and political economy. The feedback I received was invaluable for improving the paper further.

Beyond the academic exchange, the workshop offered valuable networking opportunities. Sharing meals and informal conversations allowed us to connect on both professional and personal levels. Attending the event at NYUAD underscored for me the importance of such scholarly gatherings in building bridges between institutions and regions, and in shaping the future research agenda of our field.

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