A study involving the UAB has analysed the effect of foreign trade and immigration on the success of both right- and left-wing populist parties. The analysis reveals how the importation of products that require low-skilled labour plays a key role in the rise of both types of populism, while immigration with low levels of education increases right-wing populism. Conversely, highly educated immigrants and imports requiring a high level of skilled labour reduce support for populism. The study proposes the implementation of selective policies as an alternative solution to protectionism and immigration barriers.

Years into the grand experiment of personalized digital marketing, most of us have had the experience: You search for a product — or just casually mention it. Suddenly, ads for that exact item stalk you across apps, websites, and social media. The targeting may be technically impressive, but it can feel unsettling.

That uneasy sentiment is the center of new research by Wayne Hoyer, professor of marketing at the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin. He finds that when digital personalization crosses perceived boundaries, it triggers a powerful emotional response, which he calls “creepiness.” That response can backfire on digital marketers by materially reducing consumers’ willingness to buy.