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Non-linear geographics and the economics of transition and democratization

Author

Listed:
  • Elise S. Brezis

    (Department of Economics [Israël] - Bar-Ilan University [Israël])

  • Thierry Verdier

    (PSE - Paris-Jourdan Sciences Economiques - ENS-PSL - École normale supérieure - Paris - PSL - Université Paris Sciences et Lettres - INRA - Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - ENPC - École des Ponts ParisTech - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, PSE - Paris School of Economics - UP1 - Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne - ENS-PSL - École normale supérieure - Paris - PSL - Université Paris Sciences et Lettres - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - ENPC - École des Ponts ParisTech - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement, CEPR - Center for Economic Policy Research)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyse the effects of geography on the transition process in authoritarian political regimes, and to investigate the nature of the links between political change, economic reforms and geographical location. A simple model of transition and democratization is presented wherein we show that the effectiveness of repression by the incumbent elite is a negative function of the distance to the 'free world'. In consequence, geography has conflicting effects on shifts in political power. This article provides a rationale for the counterintuitive fact that the first authoritarian country to start a transition process towards democratization is not necessarily the one nearest to the free world.

Suggested Citation

  • Elise S. Brezis & Thierry Verdier, 2013. "Non-linear geographics and the economics of transition and democratization," PSE-Ecole d'économie de Paris (Postprint) hal-00812903, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:pseptp:hal-00812903
    DOI: 10.1111/ecot.12003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. repec:bla:etrans:v:11:y:2003-03:i:1:p:3-23 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Peter T. Leeson & Andrea M. Dean, 2009. "The Democratic Domino Theory: An Empirical Investigation," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 53(3), pages 533-551, July.
    3. Olivier Jean Blanchard & Kenneth A. Froot & Jeffrey D. Sachs, 1994. "The Transition in Eastern Europe, Volume 1, Country Studies," NBER Books, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc, number blan94-2.
    4. Olivier Blanchard & Kenneth Froot & Jeffrey Sachs, 1994. "The Transition in Eastern Europe, Volume 2, Restructuring," NBER Books, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc, number blan94-3.
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    Cited by:

    1. Elise S. Brezis & Verdier Thierry & Thierry Verdier, 2014. "Geography, Economics and Political Systems: A Bird’s Eye View," ifo DICE Report, ifo Institute - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich, vol. 12(01), pages 29-36, April.
    2. repec:ces:ifodic:v:12:y:2014:i:1:p:19108852 is not listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Conflicts; Democratization; Elites; Geography; Repression; Transition process;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • P26 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist and Transition Economies - - - Property Rights
    • P36 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist Institutions and Their Transitions - - - Consumer Economics; Health; Education and Training; Welfare, Income, Wealth, and Poverty

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