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Islands as 'Bad Geography'. Insularity, Connectedness, Trade Costs and Trade

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  • L. DeBenedictis
  • A.M. Pinna

Abstract

In this paper we explore the geographical dimension of insularity, measuring its effect on a comprehensive measure of trade costs (Novy 2012). Controlling for other geographical characteristics, connectedness (spatial proximity) and the role of historical events in shaping modern attitudes towards openness (measured through a quantification of routes descriptions in logbooks between 1750 and 1850), we give evidence that to be an island is not bad per se in terms of trade costs. Bad geography can be reversed by connectedness and open institutions.

Suggested Citation

  • L. DeBenedictis & A.M. Pinna, 2015. "Islands as 'Bad Geography'. Insularity, Connectedness, Trade Costs and Trade," Working Paper CRENoS 201504, Centre for North South Economic Research, University of Cagliari and Sassari, Sardinia.
    • Handle: RePEc:cns:cnscwp:201504
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    Cited by:

    1. V. Licio & A.M. Pinna & L. De Benedictis, 2018. "The long-term effects of the historical Roman road network: trade costs of Italian provinces," Working Paper CRENoS 201801, Centre for North South Economic Research, University of Cagliari and Sassari, Sardinia.
    2. F. Cerina & L. Cocco & K. Mannaro & M. Marchesi & F. Pigliaru, 2020. "Insularity and the development of a local railway network," Economia Politica: Journal of Analytical and Institutional Economics, Springer;Fondazione Edison, vol. 37(2), pages 683-702, July.

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    Keywords

    trade; Islands; gravity model; Geography; Connectedness;
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