Dear colleagues,

The Department of Economics cordially invites you to the WU Economics Research Seminar on Wednesday, June 7^th, with

Arieda Muco

(Central European University)

on

"The Xerox Effect: Communication Technologies and Political Actions in Autocracy"

Abstract: Do new communication technologies promote democratic values in autocratic regimes? To answer this question, we use a unique setting: the distribution of photocopy machines, the Xerox program, between 1985 and 1989 in communist Hungary. Exploiting data on machine allocation combined with newly digitalized data, we show that areas with machines are more likely to support democratic values in the referendum of 1989. These areas are also more likely to participate in elections, vote for democratic values in the first democratic elections, and establish more entrepreneurial activity. Moreover, we show that adjacent areas are also affected by technology adoption. Our results suggest that new communication technologies can help promote democratic values even in countries where political competition is limited and traditional media is censored.

Date: Wednesday, June 7^th

Time: 4.30 to 6 pm (CET)

Location: building D4, ground floor, room D4.0.144

With best regards,

Harald Oberhofer

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Univ.-Prof. Dr. Harald Oberhofer

Department of Economics 

WU Vienna University of Economics and Business

Phone: +43/1/31336-4984

Email: harald.oberhofer@wu.ac.at

Webpage: https://www.wu.ac.at/ie/mitarbeiter/harald-oberhofer/

Austrian Institute of Economic Research (WIFO)

Phone: +43/1/7982601-468

Email: harald.oberhofer@wifo.ac.at

Webpage: http://www.wifo.ac.at/harald_oberhofer