Peer-reviewed Publications
- Tan, D., & La, H. (2025). The Determinants of Post-Sanctions Economic Recovery. Journal of Conflict Resolution, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/00220027251372059
Abstract: Why do some countries recover swiftly after economic sanctions are lifted, while others face prolonged stagnation? Despite extensive research on the initiation and effectiveness of sanctions, their aftermath remains understudied. This study develops a theoretical framework to explain post-sanctions economic recovery, focusing on three key determinants: domestic institutional quality, international investment, and sanctions characteristics. Using duration analysis on data from 1960 to 2023, we find that government effectiveness accelerates long-term recovery, while foreign direct investment drives short-term rebounds. Sanctions characteristics yield mixed results: sanction costs show no significant effect, while success and duration are associated with slower recovery. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of how states rebuild after economic disruption, highlighting the role of institutional resilience and external economic reintegration. By bridging the gap between sanctions and economic resilience research, this study provides insights for policymakers seeking to mitigate long-term economic costs and design more effective recovery strategies.
- La, H., & McCrea, A. M. (2025). A Capacity for War: Armed Conflict, Administrative Capacity, and Health Outcomes. International Journal of Public Administration, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1080/01900692.2024.2431976
Abstract: This manuscript extends the study of administrative capacity to one of its possible boundary conditions—war. Beyond the battlefield, armed conflicts affect the broader health of civilian populations. Such conflicts stress a nation’s health-care infrastructure, requiring a multi-pronged approach in allocating resources and responding to shocks. Using panel data encompassing 186 countries over two decades, the study reveals the role of administrative capacity in mitigating the health consequences of violent conflicts. Specifically, states with strong control over corruption and efficient resource allocation can buffer the adverse effects of violent conflict on both infant mortality and life expectancy.
- La, H. (2023). Women’s Representation in State Legislatures and Women-Friendly Policy Outcomes. Commonwealth Review of Political Science, 6(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.61611/2994-0044.1041
Abstract: This paper adds to the literature on the relationship between women’s representation and policy outcomes. The literature argues that female legislators are more likely than male colleagues to support policies that benefit women, children, and families. Therefore, increasing women’s representation in legislative bodies will likely result in more policy outcomes that reflect women’s interests. This paper employs data from 50 US state legislatures in three years: 2010, 2015, and 2020 to examine the relationship between female legislators and women-friendly policies. The analysis indicates that female legislators play an important role in introducing, discussing, and debating women-friendly bills but have yet to be in their passage. In addition, the results show that the impact of gender on policy outcomes is conditioned by party control of legislatures and the proportion of women in legislatures. Specifically, female legislators have a greater impact on policy outcomes under Democratic-controlled legislatures and when they account for over 30 percent of state legislators.