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A Re-examination of the Relation between Democracy and International Trade: The Case of Africa

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  • Christopher Balding

Abstract

Scholars and policy makers believe that democracy will bring prosperity through integration into the global economy via increased international trade. This study tests two theories as to why democracies might trade more. First, political freedom may be correlated with economic freedom, thus prompting higher levels of economic activity, thereby driving states to trade more. Second, democracy implies higher quality governance either through institutions or policy-making procedures.

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher Balding, 2011. "A Re-examination of the Relation between Democracy and International Trade: The Case of Africa," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2011-059, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2011-059
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    File URL: https://www.wider.unu.edu/sites/default/files/wp2011-059.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Abeliansky, Ana & Krenz, Astrid, 2015. "Democracy and international trade: Differential effects from a panel quantile regression framework," University of Göttingen Working Papers in Economics 243, University of Goettingen, Department of Economics.
    2. Ashiru Ibrahim & Michael Rabiu Abdulmalik, 2023. "Do trade openness and governance matter for economic growth in Africa? A case of EAC and WAEMU countries," International Economics and Economic Policy, Springer, vol. 20(3), pages 389-412, July.

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