dr. BA (Binyam) Demena

Biography

My research lies in International and Development Economics, with a focus on international trade, foreign direct investment (FDI), economic integration, economic sanctions, and firm-level productivity. I also work on energy and environmental issues, meta-analysis, formalization of informal firms, and the links between globalization and health.

A central strand of my work examines the effects of FDI on host economies, the effectiveness of regional trade agreements in promoting trade and development, and the economic impacts of sanctions. This research addresses timely policy questions, as FDI flows and international economic integration continue to expand across both developing and advanced economies. My work on FDI and international trade is widely cited, reflecting its contribution to empirical and policy debates. In addition, my research on economic sanctions underscores their growing use as a policy instrument in place of diplomacy or military intervention.

Another important strand of my research focuses on globalization and urbanization and their environmental impacts. In this work, I analyse how the accelerating pace of global economic integration and urban growth shapes environmental outcomes, addressing a critical area of concern for global policy and sustainable development.

My research has been published in leading peer-reviewed journals in economics and development studies, including World Development, Economic Analysis and Policy, Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, Energy Economics, Resource and Energy Economics, Energy Policy, Environmental and Resource Economics, Labour Economics, Journal of Economic Surveys, AIDS Patient Care and STDs, Applied Economics, and Third World Quarterly.

Alongside my research, I teach courses in international trade and investment, research methodology, and critical evaluation of scientific literature. I have also developed a MOOC on trade and investment, with a focus on evidence-based policy for development.