14.07.2026
Prof. Ralph Lütticke presents new research at the NBER Sommer Institute
YouTube livestream on July 21 offers insights into current research on inequality and macroeconomics
Professor Ralph Lütticke will present “War and Inequality”, a paper he co-authored, at the prestigious NBER Summer Institute as part of the workshop Inequality and Macroeconomics. The paper examines how major historical wars influence economic inequality and the mechanisms underlying these developments.
Drawing on historical data and a modern macroeconomic model (HANK), the study analyzes the effects of capital destruction, taxes, and inflation on income and wealth distribution. The results indicate that the destruction of physical capital plays a central role in shaping income distribution, while progressive wartime taxes can slow the accumulation of wealth at the top of the distribution. Inflation, in contrast, primarily benefits indebted households by reducing their real debt burden.
Overall, the findings suggest that income and wealth inequality decline after wars. This is not only due to the destruction but also to welfare state reforms.
Would you like to learn more about the study’s findings? Then tune in to the live presentation on YouTube on July 21 at 3 pm (CEST) here
Share
