In the first phase of our project, we describe patterns of smoking over the life-courses of men and women of many different birth cohorts. These patterns already reveal provocative differences within and across countries.

In the second phase, we estimate models of smoking behavior and compare results across countries. Those models exploit cross-country and temporal variation in economic conditions, prices, and tobacco control policies.

We are posting results on an ongoing basis. The research is shedding insight into basic smoking behavior; is helping to shape policy debates and will point future research on tobacco consumption in fruitful directions of inquiry.