Paola Jaimes Santamaría is a development economist whose work focuses on international finance, development policy, and the political economy of climate and environmental challenges. Her research examines how global economic conditions, financial arrangements, and policy frameworks shape development trajectories in the Global South.
She is a Visiting Research Fellow at the Political Economy Research Institute (PERI), University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she works on projects related to climate finance, international economic policy, and urban climate and environmental policy. Her earlier research focused on Latin America, examining extractive industries, land conflict, and violence.
She holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Ottawa and an M.A. in Economics from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
All from Paola Jaimes Santamaria
Colombia Under Petro: Social Gains Amid Monetary and Fiscal Constraints
A new CEPR report finds that Colombia experienced major social gains under President Gustavo Petro — including sharp reductions in poverty and unemployment — driven by rising real wages, expanded social spending, and increased investment in historically neglected regions. The report also examines how restrictive monetary policy and fiscal constraints weighed on private investment and shaped the country’s broader economic trajectory.
The Cost of Debt in a Time of Overlapping Crises
Developing countries face escalating debt burdens, higher borrowing costs, and climate pressures, highlighting the need for systemic reform.
Conflicts of Interest and Sovereignty at Stake: The Ecuador-Canada FTA
Ecuador and Canada recently finalized negotiations for a free trade agreement, which is set to boost mining. However, the deal raises concerns over a conflict of interest, as Ecuadorian President Noboa’s family holds a stake in a Canadian mining company. The agreement also grants Canadian companies the ability to sue Ecuador in international tribunals.
