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Georgia (de)Media Polarization Index: Measuring Political Bias Across Media Outlets
The Georgia Media Polarization Index, developed by the ISET Policy Institute, is a key tool for measuring political dissimilarity across the country’s leading media outlets. This Index captures the level of polarization in Georgian media by examining the political differences in news coverage. It offers a clear, data-driven approach to understanding media bias.
What the Media Polarization Index Measures
The Media Polarization Index uses a weighted average to measure political dissimilarities between various Georgian media outlets. Ratings determine the weight assigned to each outlet, so higher-rated sources have a greater influence on the results. The Index evaluates how different the political content is across these media platforms. This creates a clear picture of where each media outlet stands in terms of political bias.
The Role of Natural Language Processing (NLP) Models
To build the Index, the ISET Policy Institute uses advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques. The analysis relies heavily on two models: Word2Vec and Doc2Vec. These models analyze the language in political news articles and extract deeper meanings from the content.
The Doc2Vec model, specifically trained for the Georgian language, plays a central role in this process. It was developed using a large collection of over 250,000 political news articles from diverse media outlets in Georgia. This training allows the model to interpret nuanced meanings in political news. As a result, it provides a highly detailed analysis of media content.
How the Index Measures Dissimilarity
The Doc2Vec model is applied to political news articles from several prominent Georgian media outlets, including Imedi, Mtavari, TV Pirveli, 1TV (Public Broadcaster), Formula, PosTV, and Rustavi2. Using cosine similarity metrics, the model maps the articles into a high-dimensional space. The cosine similarity metric then measures how closely the political content of one outlet aligns with others. A wider angle between vectors, or a smaller cosine similarity, indicates greater political dissimilarity between media outlets.
Clustering Media Outlets Based on Bias
One of the most important insights from the Index is the identification of media clusters. The Index not only measures political dissimilarity across all outlets but also identifies clusters of outlets with similar political biases. The politically biased dissimilarity is calculated by comparing the total dissimilarity with the average dissimilarity within these clusters. This helps the Index identify both the overall level of polarization and the specific biases between different media groups.
Application of the Media Polarization Index
The Georgia Media Polarization Index is an essential tool for analyzing political bias and dissimilarity across Georgian media outlets. It provides critical insights for researchers, policymakers, and media watchdogs who monitor how media bias and polarization evolve over time. The findings from the Index can guide policy decisions, support the push for more balanced media coverage, and encourage constructive dialogue on the media’s role in shaping political discourse in Georgia.
About ISET Policy Institute
ISET Policy Institute is the leading economic policy think tank in Georgia, specializing in research, training, and policy consultation in the South Caucasus region. The institute focuses on promoting good governance and fostering inclusive economic development. For more information, visit ISET Policy Institute.
To read more policy briefs published by the ISET Policy Institute, visit the Institute’s page on the FREE Network’s website.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in policy briefs, news posts, and other publications are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the FREE Network and its research institutes.
KSE Institute: Further Weakening of Russian Macroeconomic Stability Will Require Additional Measures
The KSE Institute has recently released its March Russia Chartbook titled “Further Weakening of Russian Macroeconomic Stability Will Require Additional Measures.” The chartbook examines Russia’s current economic landscape, highlighting key trends and challenges. Notably, Russia’s foreign trade has stabilized at a new post-sanctions baseline, characterized by reduced exports and a notable recovery in imports. Meanwhile, on the fiscal front, escalating expenditures are contributing to an uptick in the budget deficit.
As macroeconomic buffers continue to diminish, policymakers face increasingly limited maneuverability. The withdrawal of war-related fiscal stimulus is anticipated to unveil underlying vulnerabilities within the economy. Additionally, Russia’s shadow fleet is experiencing heightened scrutiny, with tanker designations by OFAC proving to be an effective strategy. Despite these developments, there remains a pressing need for further measures to undermine Russian macroeconomic stability and curtail its capacity for military engagement.
To read the whole of KSE Institute’s latest Russia Chartbook, visit the presentation by Benjamin Hilgenstock, Senior Economist, Yuliia Pavytska, Manager of the Sanctions Programme, and Vira Ivanchuk, Research Analyst.
To access the entire KSE Institute’s latest Russia Chartbook, download the presentation by Benjamin Hilgenstock, Senior Economist, Yuliia Pavytska, Manager of the Sanctions Programme, and Vira Ivanchuk, Research Analyst.
Enhanced Access to Data Can Reduce the Gender Gap
Researchers from the FREE Network institutes have authored the policy brief ‘Closing the Gender Data Gap,’ published to commemorate and raise awareness on International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8.
In recent decades, advancements in documenting historical developments, coupled with enhanced data access and novel approaches to data collection, have significantly augmented comprehension of the distinct economic outcomes experienced by women and men. Today, knowledge extends considerably further in areas such as labor market outcomes, income levels, lifelong wealth accumulation, educational investments, pension dynamics, consumption patterns, and time utilization—particularly in relation to caregiving and household responsibilities.
Researchers from the FREE Network institutes have assembled a concise overview of pivotal studies that have reshaped the understanding of economic disparities between women and men, often leveraging access to distinctive data sources. This compilation underscores the imperative for improved data quality, emphasizing its crucial role in the strategic design of policies aimed at mitigating these differences effectively.
Four key insights from the policy brief:
- Governments and public institutions should make increasing amounts of digitized information available for research purposes.
- Funding should be available to collect data through surveys, which can be combined with details available in administrative sources to leverage survey data and the precision of official statistics.
- Information must be collected regularly to ensure that the consequences of various major events, such as legislative changes, conflicts, pandemics, or natural disasters, can be identified.
- Innovative data sources, such as information from mobile apps or social media, can provide additional useful insights into socio-economic trends, old and new dimensions of inequalities, and regular updates on different aspects of gender disparities.
The policy brief ‘Closing the Gender Data Gap’ is authored by Michal Myck (CenEA), Monika Oczkowska (CenEA), Pamela Campa (SITE), Maria Perrotta Berlin (SITE), and Jesper Roine (SITE). It is available in the FREE Network’s policy briefs section.
For media or press information, please get in touch with Maria Perrotta Berlin, Professor at SITE, phone: 0737332198, Email: Maria.Perrotta [at] hhs.se.
FROGEE Survey on Gender Equality in Eastern Europe: Dataset
This dataset provides a broad set of indicators on dimensions of gender inequality based on the FROGEE Gender Equality in Eastern Europe survey. The survey was designed jointly by researchers in the FREE Network with a long time involvement in the FROGEE collaboration, and administered at the end of 2021 to representative samples in the 8 countries of the network – Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Latvia, Poland, Russia, Sweden and Ukraine. The survey covers many domains of everyday life, including socio-economic conditions, demographics, material situation, family, and housing. It also explores domestic and gender-based violence through questions centered on individual evaluations and perceptions rather than personal experiences of violence. Additionally, the survey examines respondents’ attitudes towards violence and harassment as well as perceived inequalities, and their perspectives on the existing legal framework.
Data Policy
This page provides the dataset for scientific use. Researchers can freely use the data in its unchanged form or after any transformation for scientific purposes, provided that proper attribution is made to the source, but not in any way that suggests that FREE NETWORK endorses the user or their use of the data. The data for this study were gathered through interviews, conducted on a voluntary and confidential basis, ensuring that participants’ responses are kept confidential.
Suggested citation: FREE Network. (2024). FROGEE Gender Equality in Eastern Europe Survey Data [Data set]. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10777928
Explore the Dataset
Observing Experiences: Gender Bias and Treatment of Women in Daily Life
Witnessing Violence and Harassment Against Women in Everyday Situations
Attitudes Toward Gender-based Abuse
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in policy briefs and other publications are those of the authors; they do not necessarily reflect those of the FREE Network and its research institutes.
Media Influence on Behavior During COVID-19: Insights from a Recent Study
In their paper, recently accepted by Health Economics, Marcel Garz from Jönköping University and Maiting Zhuang from the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE) shed light on the impact of media coverage on individual behavior during the Covid-19 pandemic in Sweden.
Media Coverage and Pandemic Behaviour: Evidence from Sweden
This paper explores the intricate relationship between media depictions of COVID-19 and shifts in individuals’ conduct, focusing on Sweden, a standout nation for not imposing lockdowns or curfews during the pandemic. Instead, Sweden relied on voluntary compliance with public health recommendations, making it a crucial case study.
Researchers Marcel Garz and Maiting Zhuang analyzed Swedish newspaper articles about Covid-19 in 2020, totalling 200,000 articles. The study utilized mobility data from Google and employed a robust methodology, including municipality-day panel models and instrumental variable strategies, to ensure accurate results.
The research contributes to the empirical literature by identifying the causal impact of media coverage on individual behavior during a public health crisis.
Key Findings from the Research
The results unveil a significant correlation between media coverage and alterations in behavior patterns. Specifically, mentions of COVID-19 in the media correlated with reduced visits to workplaces and retail and recreation areas, while simultaneously extending the duration of stays in residential locations. Employing two distinct identification strategies, the researchers established a causal link between media coverage and behavioral changes.
Moreover, the study underscores that the impact of media coverage is most pronounced when news stories are locally relevant, visible, and based on facts. Articles referencing crisis managers and providing explicit public health advice were identified as having significant effects on behavior.
These findings carry broad implications for public communication strategies, emphasizing the pivotal role of local media in shaping individual responses to public health crises.
Full Research Paper Access
For a comprehensive understanding of the research background, methodology, data and variables, as well as the empirical strategy and conclusions, kindly refer to the complete paper on Health Economics.
The Political Economy of Environmental Policy | Call for Papers
The Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE) and the Forum for Research on Eastern Europe: Climate and Environment (FREECE) invites paper submissions to a one-day workshop session on the ‘Political Economy of Environmental Policy’ with a keynote lecture by Michaël Aklin (EPFL, Swiss Federal Institute) on 19th of April 2024 in Stockholm.
This event, hosted by FREECE together with SITE, will bring together leading academics and experts in the field to discuss and explore the complex relationship between politics, economics, and environmental policy.
The ‘Political Economy of Environmental Policy’ workshop aims to foster a dynamic exchange of ideas and insights among scholars, researchers, and practitioners. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions, share their latest research findings, and explore innovative approaches to addressing the challenges of environmental policy in today’s rapidly changing world.
Keynote Speaker
Keynote address by Michaël Aklin, an Associate Professor from the EPFL, Swiss Federal Institute, and an expert in the political economy of environmental policy.
Workshop
Just like last year (The Economics of Sustainable Transport), the workshop will consist of two elements:
- a session with paper presentations, and
- keynote speeches from invited experts in the field.
The workshop will thus provide presentations of the latest research and guidance on the future of the field to economists interested in doing their own research on the topic.
Call for Papers
We would like to invite paper and extended abstract submissions, as well as expressions of interest in attending the workshop by 4 March 2024.
Important Dates and Submission Deadline
- 4th of March 2024 – Submission deadline (full papers or extended abstracts)
- 11th of March 2024 – Notification of acceptance
- 19th of April 2024 – FREECE Workshop session on the ‘Political Economy of Environmental Policy’
Please send your submission to: julius.andersson@hhs.se.
The workshop is organised as part of the FREECE initiative – the Forum for Research on Eastern Europe: Climate and Environment supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).
Addressing the Impact of War on Human Capital and Higher Education in Ukraine
On February 6, 2024, the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE) and the Friends of KSE initiative partnered with the Nordic Ukraine Forum to host an event, aiming to examine and bolster the vital cause of higher education in Ukraine.
During this occasion, the spotlight shifted to the crucial impact of war on human capital and higher education in Ukraine. Participants delved into the indispensable role of human capital in shaping Ukraine’s future, particularly in its pursuit of prosperity within the European Union.
A focal point was the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE), lauded for its pivotal role in educating Ukraine’s future leaders and providing essential policy analysis amidst the challenges of war. Alongside SITE and the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE), KSE highlighted initiatives supporting Ukrainian students and academics, emphasizing the necessity of investing in human potential.
Representatives from Swedfund and the Nordic Ukraine Forum stressed the importance of fostering collaborations and seizing opportunities in Ukraine. The event underscored the collective effort required to preserve and nurture Ukrainian human capital, crucial for successful post-war reconstruction.
Video Recording and Photos
Participants
- Tymofiy Mylovanov, President of the Kyiv School of Economics
- Nataliia Shapoval, Chairman of the Kyiv School of Economics Institute
- Alina Zubkovych, Head of Nordic Ukraine Forum and Visiting Professor from KSE
- Katarina Hägg, Chief Executive Officer of SSE Executive Education
- Anders Olofsgård, Deputy Director of SITE
- Stefan Falk, Director of Swedfund Project Accelerator
- Volodymyr Kykot, student representative from SSE
- Alina Kotliarova, student representative from SSE
- Lesia Rublevska, student representative from SSE
- Torbjörn Becker, Director at SITE
SITE’s Development Day Conference Showcases Strategies to Strengthen Sanctions on Russia
The Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE) hosted its highly anticipated annual Development Day conference at the Stockholm School of Economics on December 5. The event brought together experts, policymakers, and industry representatives to explore effective measures to reduce financing to the Russian war machine, contain the Russian economy, and support Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts, all while winning the information war.
Under the theme of “Taking Action for a Secure Future”, the conference featured a series of insightful presentations and engaging discussions. Attendees had the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the multifaceted challenges posed by Russia’s aggressive actions and explore innovative strategies to counter them.
“We are thrilled to have brought together such a diverse and knowledgeable group of individuals who are committed to addressing the complex issues surrounding Russian influence,” said Anders Olofsgård, Deputy Director of SITE. “Our annual Development Day conferences serve as platforms for sharing ideas, fostering collaboration, and ultimately working towards a more secure and stable world.”
The Ukrainian Government’s view
Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Sanctions Advisor to the Office of the President of Ukraine.
The Russia sanctions as a human rights instrument: Violations of export controls regarding war-critical goods to Russia
Aage Borchgrevink, Senior Advisor at The Norwegian Helsinki Committee. See and download the presentation here!
Reducing Russian government revenues
Petras Katinas, Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. See and download the presentation here!
Daniel Spiro, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, Uppsala University. See and download the presentation here!
Chloé Le Coq, Professor of Economics, University of Paris-Panthéon-Assas, Economics and Law Research Center (CRED). See and download the presentation here!
Yuliia Pavytska, Manager of the Sanctions Programme at KSE Institute. See and download the presentation here!
Reducing the Russian economic capacity
Benjamin Hilgenstock, Senior Economist at Kyiv School of Economics Institute. See and download the presentation here!
Eric Livny, Lead Regional Economist for Central Asia at EBRD. See and download the presentation here!
Michael Koch, Director at Swedish National Board of Trade. See and download the presentation here!
The Swedish Government’s Perspective
Håkan Jevrell, State Secretary to the Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade.
Concluding remarks
Torbjörn Becker, Director of SITE, and Tymofiy Mylovanov, President of the Kyiv School of Economics.
Thank you
We would like to thank everyone who participated during this year’s SITE Development Day conference “How to undermine the Russian war effort and support Ukraine” on December 5th, 2023, at the Stockholm School of Economics. We hope to see you all again in the next Development Day conference.
Macroeconomic Effects of Sanctions on Russia: Analysing Economic Impact
The Annual Conference, “The Effects of New Geopolitical Risks on Financial Markets and Firms,” was organized by the Swedish House of Finance. This event brought together leading academics and practitioners in financial economics to explore the latest developments in the field.
The conference focused on the significant impact of emerging geopolitical risks on financial markets and corporate operations. Key topics included the influence of pandemics, climate-related risks, geopolitical conflicts, and sanctions, which had heightened the urgency of addressing geopolitical threats.
The event delved into how these disruptions were expected to affect various elements such as international currencies, supply chains, financial markets, and the broader macroeconomy. Attendees examined methodologies for quantifying these risks, identifying vulnerable companies and assets, and analyzing empirical evidence on the effects of these disruptive events.
Torbjörn Becker, Director of the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE), presented a talk on the macroeconomic impacts of sanctions on Russia.
Participants gained a deeper understanding of the intersection between geopolitical risks and financial systems and how to navigate these complex challenges effectively.
Celebrating Ukraine’s National Independence Day
The Forum for Research on Eastern Europe and Emerging Economies (FREE Network) and the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE) wish to extend heartfelt greetings to the brave people of Ukraine on National Independence Day, August 24.
On 24 August 1991, Ukraine declared its independent state and territory indivisibility. However, it requires enormous efforts and human lives to protect Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity.FREE Network and SITE take this moment to express our sincere gratitude to all those who have dedicated themselves to protecting Ukraine’s freedom and European values.
As part of our joint efforts, FREE Network and SITE actively engage in various initiatives such as research and policy publications, and public events, meant to support Ukraine’s academic community and contribute to the reconstruction process of Ukraine.
Слава Україні!