One of the perceived advantages of difference-in-differences (DiD) methods is that they do not explicitly restrict how units select into treatment. However, when justifying DiD, researchers often argue that the treatment is "quasi-randomly" assigned. We investigate what selection mechanisms are...

This paper uses unique data on daily air pollution concentrations over the period 2001–2010 to test for manipulation in self-reported data by Chinese cities. First, we employ a discontinuity test to detect evidence consistent with data manipulation. Then, we propose a panel matching approach...

One of the perceived advantages of difference-in-differences (DiD) methods is that they do not explicitly restrict how units select into treatment. However, when justifying DiD, researchers often argue that the treatment is “quasi-randomly” assigned. We investigate what selection mechanisms...

This paper uses unique data on daily air pollution concentrations over the period 2001-2010 to test for manipulation in self-reported data by Chinese cities. First, we employ a discontinuity test to detect evidence consistent with data manipulation. Then, we propose a panel matching approach to...

Russia's political, diplomatic, military and economic footprint in the Middle East and North Africa has expanded visibly over the last decade. This Chaillot Paper provides a detailed account of Russia's spectacular return to the region. The paper depicts how major regional players have adjusted...

In the wake of the Arab League summit that took place in early November in Algiers - providing an opportunity for an energy-emboldened Algeria to assert its regional influence - this Brief examines why the organisation has often been criticised for its ineffectiveness, and how the EU and the...

Despite concerns about growing Chinese and Indian influence in the Maghreb (Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia), the footprint of the two Asian powers in the region remains limited. The EU has a deep and multifaceted relationship with the three Maghreb nations, while China's and India's dealings with...

This Chaillot Paper analyses the EU's relations with five North African countries - Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia. In particular it focuses on how the fallout of the war in Ukraine as well as the ongoing migration crisis have affected relations. The volume addresses some of the...