The Importance of History for Economic Development

Nathan Nunn ()

No 14899, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: This article provides a survey of a growing body of empirical evidence that points towards the important long-term effects that historic events can have on current economic development. The most recent studies, using micro-level data and more sophisticated identification techniques, have moved beyond testing whether history matters, and attempt to identify exactly why history matters. The most commonly examined channels include: institutions, culture, knowledge and technology, and movements between multiple equilibria. The article concludes with a discussion of the questions that remain and the direct of current research in the literature.

JEL-codes: N0 O0 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-dev, nep-his and nep-pke
Date: 2009-04
Note: POL
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