In this paper we use spatial econometric specifications to model daily infection rates of COVID-19 across countries. Using recent advances in Bayesian spatial econometric techniques, we particularly focus on the time-dependent importance of alternative spatial linkage structures such as the number of flight connections, relationships in international trade, and common borders. The flexible model setup allows to study the intensity and type of spatial spillover structures over time. Our results show notable spatial spillover mechanisms in the early stages of the virus with international flight linkages as the main transmission channel. In later stages, our model shows a sharp drop in the intensity spatial spillovers due to national travel bans, indicating that travel restrictions led to a reduction of crosscountry spillovers.

The paper proposes a Bayesian multinomial logit model to analyse spatial patterns of urban expansion. The specification assumes that the log-odds of each class follow a spatial autoregressive process. Using recent advances in Bayesian computing, our model allows for a computationally efficient treatment of the spatial multinomial logit model. This allows us to assess spillovers between regions and across land-use classes. In a series of Monte Carlo studies, we benchmark our model against other competing specifications. The paper also showcases the performance of the proposed specification using European regional data. Our results indicate that spatial dependence plays a key role in the land-sealing process of cropland and grassland. Moreover, we uncover land-sealing spillovers across multiple classes of arable land.

The paper proposes a Bayesian multinomial logit model to analyse spatial patterns of urban expansion. The specification assumes that the log-odds of each class follow a spatial autoregressive process. Using recent advances in Bayesian computing, our model allows for a computationally efficient treatment of the spatial multinomial logit model. This allows us to assess spillovers between regions and across land use classes. In a series of Monte Carlo studies, we benchmark our model against other competing specifications. The paper also showcases the performance of the proposed specification using European regional data. Our results indicate that spatial dependence plays a key role in land sealing process of cropland and grassland. Moreover, we uncover land sealing spillovers across multiple classes of arable land.

Cross-border bank flows, which had surged in the run-up to the global financial crisis (GFC), shrank significantly after the GFC. According to our findings, this development did not point to financial deglobalization, as was widely expected. Instead, it reflected a cross-border deleveraging of (core) European banks seeking to restore their capital positions. The GFC triggered regulatory reforms that were remarkable, especially with regard to the banking system. Nevertheless, the opportunity to fundamentally overhaul the regulatory regime in general and the global monetary order in particular was not seized. While regulatory reform has progressed incrementally during the last decade, the partial retreat of the USA from multilateralism has brought this issue back onto the table.