Dibyajyoti (Dibya) Basak is a master of global affairs student majoring in governance and policy in the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame.
In July, I presented my original research (co-authored with Professor Rohan Gudibande of Krea University, India) at the Annual Conference of the Royal Economic Society held in Newcastle, United Kingdom. Presenting my paper at this conference was a novel experience for me since it was my first time presenting the findings in front of an audience of economists, policymakers and civil society stakeholders.
The research
Our research asks a simple question with important implications: Can building better infrastructure unintentionally create new forms of conflict?
Roads are often celebrated for connecting communities, expanding markets and creating economic opportunities. But before a highway can be built, the government must first acquire land. Often this land is acquired from farming households whose land represents not only their livelihood but also their family's future.
In countries like India, where land markets are often incomplete and compensation is determined administratively rather than through market negotiations, this process can become deeply contested.
Our research findings highlight the importance of designing land acquisition policies that are both economically efficient and socially equitable.
Using data on land acquisition conflicts and India's “Golden Quadrilateral” highway project, I examine whether districts near newly constructed highways experienced more land-related conflicts over time. I find that districts within 10 kilometers of the highway network saw a significant increase in land acquisition conflicts, while similar patterns were absent around incomplete highway projects and smaller rural roads.
The evidence suggests that conflict is driven not by infrastructure itself, but by disagreements over compensation as landowners anticipate the future value of land connected to large-scale development. These findings highlight the importance of designing land acquisition policies that are both economically efficient and socially equitable.
The conference
One of the most rewarding aspects of the conference was the chance to step outside my own research area and learn from scholars working on a diverse range of policy issues. The keynote speakers offered fresh perspectives on how economic research can help governments respond to rapid technological, political and social change.
Over three days, speakers highlighted how economics is evolving to address some of the most pressing challenges facing society. Professor Sir Christopher Pissarides (London School of Economics) opened the conference by examining how artificial intelligence is transforming labor markets, emphasizing the need for forward-looking governance to ensure that technological progress benefits workers and businesses alike. Professor Ekaterina Zhuravskaya (Paris School of Economics) explored the profound influence of the internet and social media algorithms on political outcomes, illustrating both the opportunities and risks that digital technologies pose for democratic institutions.
The Royal Economic Society Hahn Lecture by Professor Manasi Deshpande (University of Chicago) focused on the design of social safety nets, demonstrating how policy details can significantly affect access to public support and program effectiveness. Finally, Professor John Van Reenen (London School of Economics) discussed the role of industrial policy in fostering innovation, arguing that identifying and supporting high-potential industries is essential for long-term productivity and economic growth.
Complementing these keynote lectures were discussions on global inequality, monetary policy, economic data infrastructure, diversity in economics, climate policy, migration and advances in econometric methods. Together, they reinforced a common theme: Rigorous empirical research and high-quality data are indispensable for designing evidence-based policies that respond to rapidly changing economic and social challenges.
Presenting my research
I presented my paper at the political economy session of the conference. The experience was both exciting and immensely rewarding. I quickly learned that the first few minutes of a presentation are crucial: Stating the research question clearly, explaining why it matters and highlighting its contribution to the literature helped engage the audience from the outset. Equally important was having a clear narrative that connected each slide, while keeping the slides themselves simple enough to complement, rather than compete with, the presentation. The discussion that followed proved just as valuable as the talk itself, with questions and feedback offering new perspectives and ideas for strengthening the project.
Apart from my own session, the conference provided opportunities to network with scholars working on similar topics and to connect with fellow early-career researchers navigating many of the same challenges of refining research questions, developing empirical strategies and sharing their work with the academic community.
Looking back
Beyond the conference, I had the opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Newcastle, along with a short trip to London. This conference took place in the middle of the FIFA World Cup, and while I missed attending the matches in person, I was fortunate enough to be in a soccer-crazed nation. I was even able to watch the quarterfinal match of England vs. Norway (which England thankfully won) at a local pub!
The whole trip was an extremely fulfilling experience that was academically enriching and intellectually stimulating. I am especially thankful for the opportunity to present my research at such a prestigious conference early in my academic career. It was both humbling and inspiring to share my work with established scholars, receive their feedback and become part of a broader community of researchers working to address important policy questions.
I would like to thank the audience members for their valuable feedback. I am grateful to the Keough School, the Graduate Student Government, and the Royal Economic Society for the funding assistance that allowed me to attend this conference.