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The Development of Trade Blocs in an Era of Globalisation

Author

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  • Tristan Kohl

    (Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen, PO Box 800, 9700 AV Groningen, The Netherlands)

  • Aleid E Brouwer

    (Faculty of Spatial Science, University of Groningen, PO Box 800, 9700 AV Groningen, The Netherlands)

Abstract

This study investigates the economic geography of international trade during the period 1950–2005. We introduce a new trade bloc variable that relies on the intramax hierarchical clustering technique to identify endogenous trade blocs with annual trade flows. Multivariate analysis with gravity-equation-based variables is used to explain how mechanisms of globalisation have affected trade patterns over the past half century. In particular, proximity and economic integration agreements are key to explaining the persistence of region-based trade blocs in a globalising world economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Tristan Kohl & Aleid E Brouwer, 2014. "The Development of Trade Blocs in an Era of Globalisation," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 46(7), pages 1535-1553, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envira:v:46:y:2014:i:7:p:1535-1553
    DOI: 10.1068/a46261
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Drobne Samo & Lakner Mitja, 2018. "The Influence of the Zonation Effect on a System of Hierarchical Functional Regions," Business Systems Research, Sciendo, vol. 9(2), pages 45-54, July.
    3. Adams, Kweku & Attah-Boakye, Rexford & Yu, Honglan & Chu, Irene & Mali, Dafydd, 2024. "African Continental Free Trade Area and Regional Trade in ICT and Digital Technologies," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 30(4).
    4. Drobne Samo & Lakner Mitja, 2016. "Use of Constraints in the Hierarchical Aggregation Procedure Intramax," Business Systems Research, Sciendo, vol. 7(2), pages 5-22, September.
    5. Konara, Palitha, 2020. "The role of language connectedness in reducing home bias in trade, investment, information, and people flows," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 52(C).

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