This lively and provocative look at the tension between economics and politics examines why so many mistakes in economic policy-making are made for political reasons and ignore the economic truths. Using short-term economic gains to ensure electoral success, argues Lorenzo Forni, inevitably spells macroeconomic disaster. Using the state budget, trade policy and monetary policy to prop up labour markets and the wider economy in order to boost voter approval ratings, while ignoring budget constraints can only result in longer recessions and economic downturns. Which then can incur the painful austerity measures needed to bring the economy back into balance. Forni looks at many unsustainable economic policies that have been implemented in parts of the world when the economic realities - there is no magic money tree! - would recommend a different and more prudent economic course.

This report contains the latest estimates of input-output tables for East Asia and a more comprehensive range of statistics relevant to analyzing production, trade, and interrelations between firms, industries, and economy sectors in the region. It is an update of the published in 2018. The tables and indicators presented are derived from the Multi-Regional Input-Output Tables database maintained by the Asian Development Bank. The reports serve as key resources for understanding dynamic trade and production linkages in regional economy, providing analytical support for data-driven decision-making and policy implementation.

Sufficient provisioning for health and social protection will help support a swift, inclusive recovery in Pacific island countries. This edition of the Pacific Economic Monitor discusses the outlook for 2021 and key issues for recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis, including vaccine procurement and distribution.

Most Pacific island countries appear to have avoided direct health impacts from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Yet, the pandemic highlights the need to strengthen their health and social protection systems. This edition of the Pacific Economic Monitor discusses the impacts of COVID-19 and provides an overview of other current economic and development issues in Pacific developing member countries of ADB.