Tag Archives: institutions

Ecology, Trade and States

Posted on December 23, 2012 by Ken

A new paper by James Fenske at Oxford on the origins of institutional structures. Abstract State capacity matters for growth. I test Bates’ explanation of pre-colonial African states. He argues that trade across ecological boundaries promoted states. I find that … Continue reading →

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The Democratic Transition

Posted on November 3, 2011 by Ken

A new empirical paper on the relationship between democracy and economic growth, by Romain Wacziarg and Fabrice Murtin. Abstract Over the last two centuries, many countries experienced regime transitions toward democracy. We document this democratic transition over a long time … Continue reading →

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Economic White Papers – The Grand Challenges

Posted on November 23, 2010 by Ken

A variety of leading economists present their opinions on the key issues for research in the social sciences. Link The importance of institutions, both formal and informal, and their interaction, are highlighted in the essays by Acemoglu, Alesina, and Samuelson, … Continue reading →

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